By Parrot Newspaper 
Marte Borno Clash: Troops Crush Terrorists, Lose 2 Soldiers
In the early hours of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) successfully thwarted a coordinated assault by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in New Marte, Borno State. However, while the military claims a significant tactical victory, the encounter once again underscores the enduring volatility of the North-East and the human cost borne by frontline soldiers.
A statement released by Captain Reuben Kovangiva, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for OPHK, detailed the events of the confrontation. The terrorists reportedly launched an early morning attack aimed at infiltrating the military position in New Marte — a region that has experienced repeated insurgent incursions over the past decade.
Military sources, speaking to Parrot Newspaper under condition of anonymity, confirmed that ground troops engaged the insurgents in a protracted gun battle that was later reinforced by aerial support. The Air Component of OPHK is said to have delivered real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), alongside targeted strikes that disrupted the retreat of the attackers.
While the Army reported that “scores” of the insurgents were neutralized, independent verification remains elusive. Eyewitnesses in nearby communities reported hearing intense gunfire and low-flying aircraft in the early hours, suggesting a well-coordinated counter-offensive by the Nigerian forces. The military’s statement also mentioned the recovery of a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) in an SUV left behind by the terrorists, as well as the destruction of several motorcycles used for the assault.
Despite the operational success, the Nigerian Army admitted the loss of two soldiers, describing their deaths as paying the “ultimate sacrifice.” No names were released at the time of this report. Military analysts note that these recurring fatalities, often underreported or quickly buried in official statements, raise questions about the sustainability of troop morale and resource allocation in OPHK operations.
Further investigations by Parrot Newspaper reveal that this is not the first time New Marte has come under threat. The town, once overtaken by insurgents in 2021 and recaptured later that year, remains a strategic flashpoint due to its location near Lake Chad and its vulnerability to infiltration from multiple flanks.
In a related confrontation, troops also repelled an attempted attack on the Forward Operating Base in Kumshe. Captain Kovangiva described the two attacks as a testament to “renewed jointness and team spirit” among Nigerian forces. However, security experts are urging deeper scrutiny.
“Every successful repelling is a relief, but also a signal,” said Dr. Kenechukwu Orji, a defense analyst based in Abuja. “The insurgents are not only regrouping but are testing the Army’s readiness and resilience. We must begin to ask harder questions about intelligence lapses, community cooperation, and what happens after these gunfights end.”
With traces of blood found along terrorist withdrawal routes, as revealed in post-engagement troop assessments, it is clear that the military continues to deal blows to insurgent groups. Yet, for the families of the fallen soldiers and the civilians living in fear, the war is far from over.
As the dust settles in New Marte, Parrot Newspaper will continue its investigative reporting on the evolving dynamics of the North-East crisis — amplifying voices from the field and demanding transparency from those who claim to defend it.
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