Nigeria Fishermen Feared Dead After Chad Air Strikes

Dozens of Nigerian fishermen are feared dead following recent air strikes by Chad's military targeting Boko Haram militants in the Lake Chad region. An estimated 40 fishermen are missing, with fears they were killed by the strikes or drowned while attempting to escape in overloaded boats. Chad's presidency confirmed "intensive air strikes" were carried out in retaliation for "unjustified attacks" by Boko Haram on Chadian military bases.

The Lake Chad basin, a shared area among Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, is a known stronghold for Boko Haram and ISWAP. Fishermen inhabit islands in the region, leading to panic and attempted flight when Chad's air force initiated operations. The search for the missing fishermen is hampered by the depth of some areas and limited access to canoes, which are reportedly controlled by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram exercises significant control over the fishing grounds, managing access for fishermen and collecting taxes. This incident follows a pattern of concern over civilian casualties from military operations. In October 2024, Chadian air strikes were also reported to have killed Nigerian fishermen on Tilma Island. Nigerian military operations have also faced accusations of causing unintended collateral damage.