tragedy on lake Chad: nigerian fishermen feared dead after chadian strikes

air strikes conducted by the chadian military against jihadist strongholds on lake Chad have reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous nigerian fishermen, according to multiple testimonies gathered on sunday. the operations, which began friday, targeted islands controlled by boko haram along the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad.

military response to jihadist attacks

chadian fighter jets have been bombing boko haram-held islands in lake Chad since friday, a response to a recent attack by the group on chadian forces. the airstrikes reportedly targeted shuwa island, described as a major jihadist bastion and a key fishing hub frequented by nigerian fishermen.

fishermen caught in crossfire

according to a representative from the lake Chad fishermen’s union, at least 40 nigerian fishermen are missing and presumed drowned following the bombings. “many people have been killed,” reported adamu haladu, a fisherman from baga in northeastern Nigeria. most victims hailed from doron baga and taraba state. witnesses explained that fishermen were permitted to access the fish-rich zones after paying a tax imposed by boko haram.

a region plagued by insecurity

lake Chad, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has been a haven for jihadist groups like boko haram and the islamic state’s west african province (iswap) for over fifteen years. while neighboring countries launched a multinational joint force in 2015, regional cooperation has weakened in recent years, particularly after Niger withdrew from the alliance in 2025. the chadian military has not yet officially responded to the allegations.