BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
deadly ambush has plunged the Marte community of Borno State into mourning, as nine brave members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) shortly after repelling a coordinated attack by suspected terrorists.
According to a situation report from Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) Base 8, the attack took place during the early hours of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at approximately 1:10 a.m. Heavily armed insurgents, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or Boko Haram, launched a surprise assault on CJTF defensive positions in Marte.
The CJTF, a local volunteer security force supporting Nigeria’s military in counter-insurgency operations, engaged the militants in an intense gun battle. Despite being under heavy fire and clearly outnumbered, the CJTF fighters held their ground and successfully pushed back the insurgents after a prolonged shootout. Several casualties were reportedly inflicted on the attackers, who were eventually forced to retreat from the area.
However, what should have been a moment of tactical victory quickly turned into a devastating loss.
Shortly after the battle, CJTF members attempted to recover the body of one of their fallen colleagues. As they made their way back to their base, they unknowingly stepped on an IED buried along their return route by the retreating insurgents. The explosion was instantaneous and deadly, killing nine CJTF operatives on the spot.
A section of the CTU situation report reads:
“They planted IEDs, and the CJTF members who went to recover one of their deceased stepped on it on their way back to camp. Nine of them died instantly.”
In a separate but equally horrifying twist, several civilians who were captured by the insurgents during the chaos were reportedly executed in cold blood before the terrorists fled the area. Local sources describe the killings as gruesome and targeted, further underlining the persistent threat these extremist groups continue to pose to communities in Nigeria’s North-East.
Following the incident, security forces have intensified surveillance and bomb detection efforts in Marte and surrounding areas. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams are working to ensure the environment is cleared of any remaining explosives, while psychological and relief support is being coordinated for the families of the fallen CJTF members and affected residents.
Residents of Marte and neighboring communities remain on high alert, with many expressing fear over the increasing use of IEDs by insurgent groups as a means of inflicting post-battle casualties.
The tragic loss of these CJTF members has drawn fresh attention to the enormous sacrifices being made by local volunteer forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Operating with limited resources and under dangerous conditions, the CJTF continues to play a crucial role in the security architecture of Nigeria’s embattled North-East region.
This incident is a stark reminder that despite significant efforts by security agencies and civilian volunteers, extremist elements remain active and lethal in parts of Borno State and beyond. Their tactics ranging from direct attacks to hidden explosives and brutal civilian executions are intended to spread fear and destabilize efforts toward peace and recovery.
As the nation mourns the loss of these courageous defenders, there are renewed calls for greater support, protection, and resources for the CJTF and other frontline responders risking their lives daily to safeguard vulnerable communities.
