military response to boko haram’s recent aggression

Since Friday, Chadian fighter jets have been conducting airstrikes on islands in Lake Tchad controlled by Boko Haram, near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. A member of an anti-jihadist self-defense group revealed that these operations were launched in retaliation for a recent Boko Haram attack on Chadian forces. The strikes reportedly targeted Shuwa Island, a known jihadist stronghold and a major fishing hub frequented by Nigerian fishermen.

fishermen caught in the crossfire

A representative of the Lake Tchad fishermen’s union reported that at least 40 Nigerian fishermen are missing and likely drowned during the bombardments. « Many people were killed, » testified Adamu Haladu, a fisherman from Baga in northeastern Nigeria. He added that most victims hailed from Doron Baga and Taraba State. Witnesses explained that fishermen had been permitted to access these fish-rich areas after paying a tax imposed by Boko Haram.

related coverage: Chad declares state of emergency in Lake Province after Boko Haram attacks

a region plagued by insecurity

Lake Tchad, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has been a jihadist refuge for over fifteen years, hosting groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP). In 2015, neighboring countries revived a multinational joint force to combat this threat. However, regional cooperation has weakened in recent years, particularly after Niger withdrew from the alliance in 2025. The Chadian military has not yet issued an official response to these claims.