At least 20,000 people have fled the town of Marte, near the Cameroon border, after Islamist militants ramped up attacks, raising fears of a renewed insurgency, according to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.

Marte, resettled four years ago after being under insurgent control, has now been overrun again by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

Zulum’s visit follows the militants’ brief seizure of a local army base, where five soldiers were killed. He also toured Rann, another attack site, and plans to assess Kalawa Balge, where 23 farmers were reportedly massacred.

The rise in militant activity in 2025 has sparked concerns that extremist groups are regaining territory, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Over the past 16 years, the insurgency has displaced more than two million people and killed thousands, leaving communities in constant uncertainty.

Zulum warned against relocating displaced residents to camps like Dikwa, fearing that young people could be recruited by militants. Meanwhile, Marte residents fear further violence, unsure if they will ever find stability again.

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