Tchad’s military targets jihadist strongholds

since friday, chadian fighter jets have been striking islands in lake Chad under the control of boko haram, near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. according to a member of an anti-jihadist self-defense group, the operations were launched in retaliation for a recent boko haram attack on chadian forces. the strikes reportedly targeted shuwa island, a known jihadist bastion and a major fishing hub frequented by nigerian fishermen.

fishermen caught in the crossfire

a leader of the lake Chad fishermen’s union reports at least 40 nigerian fishermen are missing and presumed drowned following the airstrikes. “many people have been killed,” testified adamu haladu, a fisherman from baga in northeastern Nigeria. he claims most victims hailed from doron baga and taraba state. witnesses explain that fishermen were allowed to access these fish-rich zones after paying a tax imposed by boko haram.

related reading: Chad declares state of emergency in lake province after boko haram attacks

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 the islamic state’s west african province (iswap) for over 15 years. in 2015, bordering nations revived a multinational joint force to combat the threat. however, regional cooperation has weakened in recent years, particularly after Niger withdrew from the alliance in 2025. Chad’s military has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.