Bombardments targeting Boko Haram strongholds

Since Friday, Chadian fighter jets have been striking islands in the Lake Chad basin controlled by Boko Haram, near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Tchad. According to a member of a local anti-jihadist defense group, these maneuvers were initiated following a recent assault by Boko Haram on the Chadian army. The strikes specifically targeted Shuwa island, identified as a militant base and a vital fishing hub frequented by Nigerian nationals.

Fishermen caught in the crossfire

An official from the Lake Chad fishermen’s union reported that at least 40 Nigerian fishermen are missing and are presumed to have drowned during the air raids. “A significant number of people were killed,” stated Adamu Haladu, a fisherman from Baga in northeastern Nigeria. He noted that the majority of the victims were residents of Doron Baga and Taraba State. Witnesses explained that the fishermen had been granted access to these fish-rich waters only after paying a mandatory tax imposed by Boko Haram militants.

A region plagued by instability

Lake Chad, which spans the borders of Nigeria, Niger, Tchad, and Cameroun, has served as a sanctuary for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) for over fifteen years. To combat this persistent threat, neighboring countries revitalized a Multinational Joint Task Force in 2015. However, regional cooperation has faced challenges recently, particularly following the withdrawal of Niger from the alliance in 2025. The Chadian military has not yet provided an official comment regarding the reported civilian casualties.