Dozens of Nigerian fishermen are believed to have perished over the last three days following aerial bombardments by the Chadian military targeting jihadist groups in northeastern Nigeria. The strikes occurred in the Lake Chad region, according to local witnesses and members of an anti-jihadist civilian task force.
One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that providing a precise death toll is currently difficult because the military operation is still in progress.
Dozens missing in the aftermath
Chadian fighter jets began bombing various islands on Lake Chad controlled by Boko Haram on Friday. These islands are situated near the border with Chad. The offensive was launched in retaliation for a May 4 attack on a Chadian military base that resulted in at least 24 soldiers being killed and several others wounded.
According to reports, the air strikes resulted in significant casualties among Nigerian fishermen. These individuals often operate in the area by paying a form of tax to Boko Haram for access to the waters. The primary target was Shuwa Island, a remote location where the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad meet. Shuwa is recognized as a strategic bastion for Boko Haram and serves as a major hub for fishing activities.
A representative from a local fishing union stated that at least 40 Nigerian fishermen are currently missing and are presumed to have drowned following the strikes. This estimate is based on accounts from those who managed to escape the area during the bombardment.
Adamu Haladu, a fisherman from the town of Baga, shared that many of the victims originated from Doron Baga and Taraba State. He confirmed that it is common knowledge that fishermen pay militants to work in these isolated, fish-abundant waters.
A history of civilian casualties
While the Chadian military has not yet issued a formal statement regarding these recent events, this is not the first instance where they have been accused of hitting civilians while targeting Boko Haram. In October 2024, the military faced similar criticism after a retaliatory strike on Tilma Island reportedly killed dozens of civilians. While the army denied targeting innocents, witnesses maintained that fishermen were hit by mistake after an attack that killed 40 Chadian troops.
The ongoing jihadist insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced approximately two million people, according to data from the UN. The conflict has progressively spilled over into neighboring Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. Since 2009, the vast marshes of Lake Chad have become a stronghold for both Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
To address the security crisis, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger reactivated a Multinational Joint Task Force in 2015. However, the regional alliance saw a shift in 2025 when Niger decided to withdraw from the force.
