The Chadian air force launched a swift counter-offensive following recent “devastating nocturnal assaults” by jihadist groups. These attacks, as Modern Ghana described them, targeted the Barka Tolorom military base on May 4, resulting in 25 fatalities, including two generals, and 46 injuries. In response, “Chadian fighter jets are reportedly targeting islands in Lake Chad under Boko Haram control, situated near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad,” reports Africa Radio. The pan-African news outlet further indicates that “the strikes specifically aimed at Shuwa island, identified as both a jihadist stronghold and a significant fishing hub frequented by Nigerian fishermen.”

These aerial operations have led to grave consequences: “An official from the Lake Chad fishermen’s union has stated that a minimum of 40 Nigerian fishermen are unaccounted for and are presumed to have drowned during the bombardments.” The majority of these alleged victims reportedly originate from Doron Baga, a town located on the Nigerian shores of Lake Chad. This particular area has a tragic history, having been the site of a massacre in 2015 that claimed the lives of 2,000 individuals.

As of now, the Nigerian press has remained silent on these claims emanating from its neighboring country. This silence comes despite the Nigerian national army frequently facing accusations of inadvertently bombing civilians. The most recent incident occurred just weeks prior, when reports emerged of its air force