The Chadian air force responded swiftly following the “devastating night attacks”—as described by Modern Ghana—carried out by jihadist groups on the Barka Tolorom military base. The assault on May 4 resulted in 25 fatalities, including two generals, and 46 injuries.

In retaliation, Chadian fighter jets targeted islands in Lake Chad under Boko Haram control, near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. According to Africa Radio, strikes reportedly hit Shuwa Island, a known jihadist stronghold and a major fishing hub frequented by Nigerian fishermen.

The aftermath revealed severe consequences. A representative from the Lake Chad Fishermen’s Union reported that “at least 40 Nigerian fishermen are missing and likely drowned during the bombings.” Most victims hailed from Doron Baga, a town on the Nigerian shores of the lake—a region still scarred by the 2015 massacre that claimed 2,000 lives.

Nigerian media has yet to address these claims, despite recurring allegations against its own military for inadvertently killing civilians. A recent incident, just weeks prior, saw civilian casualties from airstrikes, though the army denied responsibility.