chadian jets target jihadist strongholds

since friday, chadian fighter jets have been conducting airstrikes on islands within Lake Chad under the control of Boko haram, situated near the borders of Nigeria, Niger and Chad. a member of an anti-jihadist self-defense group revealed that these operations were launched in response to a recent Boko haram assault on chadian military forces. the strikes reportedly targeted shuwa island, identified as a major jihadist bastion and a vital fishing hub frequented by nigerian fisherman.

fishermen caught in the crossfire

according to a representative from the Lake Chad fisherman’s union, at least 40 nigerian fisherman are missing and presumed drowned following the bombings. ‘many people have been killed,’ confirmed adamu haladu, a fisherman from Baga in northeastern Nigeria. he noted that most victims hailed from doron Baga and taraba state. witnesses explained that fisherman were permitted to access these fish-rich areas only after paying a tax imposed by Boko haram.

regional instability fuels crisis

Lake Chad, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has been a hotspot for jihadist activity for over fifteen years, serving as a refuge for Boko haram and the islamic state’s west african province (iswap). in 2015, neighboring countries revived a joint multinational force to combat the threat. however, regional cooperation has weakened in recent years, particularly after Niger withdrew from the alliance in 2025. to date, chadian military officials have not issued an official response to these allegations.