Not fewer than 15 farmers and loggers have been killed, and unspecified numbers remain unaccounted for after suspected Boko Haram attacked Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, sources said.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday at Ala and Musune wards of Marte council area on the fringe of Lake Chad Basin, where 15 farmers were ambushed by ISWAP fighters, accusing them of spying for the troops.
According to nearby sources, the victims include farmers and loggers who were attacked by terrorists and accused of spying on their movements for the military.
‘We were told that they were killed as a result of what they described as information to the military, and we lost 15 of them; a few people are still missing from the attack.
Also confirming the incidents to journalists, the Borno State Police Command said efforts were ongoing to ascertain the three missing persons and gather further details about the incident.
Nahum Daso, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, said 15 people were killed while efforts continued to locate those still missing. ‘Yes, 15 people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,’ Daso said.
Amnesty International has condemned the killings, describing the reported attack as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation said at least 15 people were killed in Marte on Thursday, October 1, after reportedly venturing into surrounding bush areas to gather firewood for their livelihoods and families.
‘Amnesty International strongly condemns the horrific killing of at least 15 people on Thursday, 1 October 2026, in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria,’ the organisation said.
Amnesty said the victims were residents who had gone into the surrounding bush to gather firewood either to earn a living or provide fuel for their families.
‘The victims, who were local residents venturing into the surrounding bush to gather firewood to earn a living or cook for their families, were ambushed and targeted by a suspected Boko Haram group,’ the organisation said.
The rights organisation urged the Nigerian authorities to strengthen protection for communities exposed to attacks by armed groups and ensure that civilians can access their farms and other sources of livelihood without being subjected to violence.
‘Amnesty International calls on the Nigerian authorities to take immediate, transparent, and human-rights-compliant measures to protect vulnerable communities living in the region,’ it said.
The rights organisation also called for appropriate measures to protect civilians living in areas affected by insurgency and to ensure accountability for attacks targeting residents.