The Chadian air force swiftly responded to devastating nighttime raids by jihadist groups on the military base in Barka Tolorom, which left 25 dead—including two generals—and 46 injured on May 4. According to Africa Radio, Chadian fighter jets targeted islands in Lake Chad controlled by Boko Haram, particularly near the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad.
The pan-African news outlet highlighted that the strikes primarily hit Shuwa Island, a key jihadist stronghold and a major fishing hub frequented by Nigerian fishermen. Reports indicate that at least 40 Nigerian fishermen are missing, presumed dead after drowning during the bombings. Most victims hailed from Doron Baga, a Nigerian lakeside town that suffered a massacre in 2015, claiming over 2,000 lives.
While Nigerian media has yet to comment on the claims from its neighbor, the country’s own military has faced repeated accusations of civilian casualties in airstrikes. Just weeks prior, a similar incident sparked controversy when dozens of civilians were reportedly killed in a Nigerian military operation.
