deadly airstrikes on lake Chad claim lives of nigerian fishermen

breaking news

Nigerian fishermen are feared dead after chadian military airstrikes targeted jihadist positions on lake Chad, according to multiple testimonies collected Sunday.

chadian air force strikes boko haram strongholds

Since Friday, chadian fighter jets have been bombing islands in lake Chad controlled by Boko Haram, near the borders of Nigeria, Niger and Chad. A member of an anti-jihadist self-defense group stated these operations were launched following a recent Boko Haram attack on chadian troops. The strikes reportedly targeted Shuwa island, described as a jihadist stronghold and a major fishing hub frequented by nigerian fishermen.

fishermen caught in crossfire

The Lake Chad Fishermen’s Union reports at least 40 nigerian fishermen missing, likely drowned in the bombings. « Many people have been killed, » testified Adamu Haladu, a fisherman from Baga in northeastern Nigeria. He added most victims hailed from Doron Baga and Taraba State. Witnesses explained fishermen were permitted 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

For over fifteen years, lake Chad—shared by Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon—has served as a haven for Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). In 2015, bordering countries revived a multinational task force to combat this threat. However, regional cooperation has weakened in recent years, especially after Niger withdrew from the alliance in 2025. The chadian military has not yet issued an official response to these claims.