The Lake Chad region has been the scene of a devastating incident following Chadian airstrikes against jihadist positions. According to multiple accounts, dozens of Nigerian fishermen are feared dead after these military operations.
military strikes targeting jihadist strongholds
On Friday, the Chadian Air Force launched aerial bombardments on islands within the Lake Chad basin, particularly targeting areas under the control of Boko Haram. These strikes were reportedly in retaliation for a recent attack on Chadian forces. One of the primary targets was Shuwa Island, identified as a key jihadist bastion and a major fishing hub where Nigerian fishermen frequently operate.
fishermen caught in the crossfire
A spokesperson for the Lake Chad Fishermen’s Union revealed that at least 40 Nigerian fishermen are missing and presumed drowned in the aftermath of the strikes. Adamu Haladu, a local fisherman from Baga in northeastern Nigeria, corroborated these claims, stating, “Many people have been killed.” He noted that most of the victims hailed from Doron Baga and Taraba State in Nigeria. Witnesses explained that fishermen had been allowed access to these high-yield fishing zones after paying a tax enforced by Boko Haram.
escalating insecurity in the region
The Lake Chad basin, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has long been a hotspot for extremist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP). In response, regional governments launched a multinational task force in 2015 to combat these threats. However, cooperation has weakened in recent years, particularly after Niger withdrew from the alliance in 2025.