Tragic disappearance of Nigerian fishermen after Chadian airstrikes on Lake Tchad

The Chadian military has launched intense aerial strikes since Friday targeting several islands on Lake Tchad—located within Nigerian territory—allegedly used as Boko Haram strongholds. These operations follow a recent armed attack by the group against Chadian military positions.

The strikes, which have left dozens of Nigerian fishermen unaccounted for, have raised serious concerns about civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict. The vast Lake Tchad basin, shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, has become a critical battleground in the fight against Islamist insurgencies, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Why were the strikes carried out?

Chadian authorities justified the aerial bombardment as a retaliatory measure against Boko Haram militants responsible for an attack on their forces. The operation specifically targeted the remote Shuwa Island, a known Boko Haram enclave near the tri-border area connecting Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. The island is also a major fishing hub, attracting local fishermen from across the region.

According to witnesses, including members of civilian defense groups, the airstrikes have caused significant collateral damage. Fishermen operating in the area under Boko Haram’s control were reportedly killed when their boats or makeshift shelters were struck by the bombs. The militants had previously demanded