Nigerian Fishermen Feared Dead in Chad's Boko Haram Airstrikes

• Dozens of Nigerian fishermen are feared dead in Chad's airstrikes on Boko Haram militants in the Lake Chad region.
• Chad's military launched retaliatory strikes on Boko Haram strongholds after the group attacked Chadian forces near Lake Chad.
• No bodies have been recovered, but local fishermen's leader Abubakar Gamandi Usman estimates over 40 have died.
• The Lake Chad basin is a shared waterway among Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, and has been a stronghold for Boko Haram and its rival faction.

The Nigerian town of Baga was left in shambles after Boko Haram's attack on Chadian forces, prompting Chad's military to retaliate with airstrikes.

According to local fishermen's leader Abubakar Gamandi Usman, the air strikes have caused widespread panic, with many fishermen attempting to flee.

Background: Boko Haram's Activities in the Lake Chad Region

The Lake Chad basin has long been a stronghold for Boko Haram and its rival faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap). The group has been responsible for numerous attacks on security forces and civilians in the region.

Recently, the region has seen a rise in attacks on security forces, kidnappings, and raids on communities. The group's activities have been a major concern for regional authorities and have led to military operations in the area.

Nigerian Fishermen Caught in the Crossfire

Nigerian fishermen in the Lake Chad region have been caught in the crossfire between Boko Haram and Chad's military.

According to Abubakar Gamandi Usman, chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Fisheries Association of Nigeria, several of the union's members are missing and estimated more than 40 have died.

Usman believes some fishermen were hit by the strikes, while others drowned after attempting to flee in overloaded boats.

Chad's Airstrikes and the Response

Chad's presidency said it had carried out retaliatory "intensive air strikes" on Boko Haram strongholds after the group attacked Chadian military bases near Lake Chad.

The strikes were in response to "unjustified attacks" by Boko Haram, which took place last Monday and Wednesday and targeted Chadian military bases.

Chadian authorities have not commented on the number of casualties or the impact of the airstrikes on the local population.

Looking Ahead: Concerns Over Civilian Casualties

The incident raises concerns over civilian casualties in military operations against Boko Haram.

Chadian military operations have been accused of causing civilian deaths before, including in October 2024, when the air force was said to have killed dozens of Nigerian fishermen during air strikes targeting Boko Haram fighters on Tilma Island in Lake Chad.

The incident highlights the need for careful planning and execution of military operations to minimize harm to civilians.