The Chadian Air Force swiftly responded to the “devastating nighttime attacks”—as described by Modern Ghana—launched by jihadist groups against the Barka Tolorom military base. The assaults on May 4 left 25 dead, including two generals, and 46 wounded.
According to Africa Radio, Chadian fighter jets targeted islands in Lake Chad controlled by Boko Haram, situated near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. The outlet reported that the strikes particularly focused on Shuwa Island, identified as a jihadist stronghold and a major fishing hub frequented by Nigerian fishermen.
A representative from the Lake Chad Fishermen’s Union disclosed that at least 40 Nigerian fishermen are missing and likely drowned during the bombings. Most victims hailed from Doron Baga, a Nigerian lakeside town that was the site of a 2015 massacre claiming 2,000 lives.
Nigerian media has yet to address these claims, despite frequent allegations against its own military for unintentionally targeting civilians. A recent incident occurred weeks prior when Nigerian forces were accused of killing dozens of non-combatants in an airstrike.
