Chadian military operations in Lake Chad spark controversy after civilian casualties

Following devastating nighttime attacks by jihadist groups on the Barka Tolorom military base—claimed by Modern Ghana as “catastrophic overnight strikes”—the Chadian Air Force launched immediate retaliation. The assaults, which occurred on May 4, resulted in 25 fatalities, including two generals, and left 46 wounded.

According to Africa Radio, Chadian fighter jets targeted islands in the Lake Chad region under Boko Haram control, particularly near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. Reports indicate that the island of Shuwa, a known jihadist stronghold and major fishing hub frequented by Nigerian fishermen, was heavily bombarded.

Nigerian fishermen among victims of air strikes

A spokesperson for the Lake Chad Fishermen’s Union disclosed that at least 40 Nigerian fishermen are missing and presumed dead, likely drowned during the bombings. Most of the victims hailed from Doron Baga, a Nigerian lakeside town previously devastated in a 2015 massacre that claimed over 2,000 lives.

Unverified claims and regional tensions

While Nigerian media has yet to address these allegations, the country’s military has faced repeated accusations of unintentionally targeting civilians in airstrikes. The most recent incident occurred weeks prior, when Nigerian forces were blamed for killing dozens of civilians in an alleged bombing error.