chadian air force targets boko haram strongholds
Since friday, chadian fighter jets have been bombing islands in Lake Chad under Boko Haram control, located near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. A member of an anti-jihadist vigilante group stated these operations were launched in retaliation for a recent Boko Haram attack on chadian forces. The strikes reportedly focused on Shuwa island, identified as a jihadist stronghold and a major fishing hub frequented by nigerian fishermen.
fishermen caught in the crossfire
A representative from the Lake Chad fishermen’s union reported that at least 40 nigerian fishermen are missing and presumed drowned following the bombings. « many people were killed, » shared Adamu Haladu, a fisherman from Baga in northeastern Nigeria. He added that most victims hailed from Doron Baga and Taraba state. Witnesses explained that fishermen were permitted to access these fish-rich waters after paying a tax enforced by Boko Haram.
a region plagued by insecurity
Lake Chad, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has been a hotspot for jihadist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP for over 15 years. In 2015, bordering nations revived a multinational task force to combat this threat. However, regional cooperation has weakened in recent years, particularly after Niger withdrew from the alliance in 2025. The chadian military has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.