chadian military launches strikes against boko haram strongholds

Since friday, chadian fighter jets have been targeting islands on lake Chad under the control of boko haram, situated near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. A member of an antijihadist self-defense group reported that these operations were initiated following a recent attack by boko haram on chadian military forces. The strikes reportedly focused on shuwa island, identified as a key jihadist bastion and a major fishing hub frequented by nigerian fishermen.

fishermen caught in crossfire

According to a representative of the lake Chad fishermen’s union, at least 40 nigerian fishermen are missing and presumed drowned following the bombardments. “many people have been killed,” testified 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 access to these fish-rich areas after paying a tax imposed by boko haram.

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a region plagued by insecurity

Lake Chad, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has been a stronghold for jihadist groups like boko haram and the islamic state in west africa (iswap) for over fifteen years. In response to this threat, bordering countries relaunched a joint multinational force in 2015. However, regional cooperation has weakened in recent years, particularly after Niger withdrew from the alliance in 2025. The chadian military has yet to issue an official response to these claims.