Chadian soldiers travel on the back of a vehicle at the Baga Sola military base, Lake Chad Province, Chad.
At least 23 Chadian soldiers have been killed and 26 others wounded following a deadly Boko Haram attack on a military position in the Lake Chad region, the country’s armed forces have confirmed.
According to a statement released by the military, the assault took place on Monday night on Barka Tolorom, an island in the Lake Chad basin. The attackers are believed to be members of Boko Haram, a Nigeria-based extremist group that has operated for years across the porous borders of Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon.
The Lake Chad region, with its complex network of islands, swamps, and remote settlements, has long served as a strategic stronghold for armed groups, making it difficult for security forces to maintain control.
Escalating violence in the region
This latest attack is one of the deadliest in recent months for Chadian forces. Military officials say Boko Haram activity has intensified, particularly from factions operating around the lake, including splinter groups that continue to carry out raids, kidnappings, and assaults on military outposts.
In October 2024, a similar attack in the same region killed around 40 Chadian soldiers, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the country. The military has repeatedly launched counteroffensives in response, with President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno previously vowing to personally oversee operations against the militants.
Following earlier military campaigns, authorities claimed Boko Haram had been largely pushed out of Chadian territory. However, recurring attacks suggest the group retains mobility and influence in remote border areas.
Regional security concerns
The Lake Chad basin remains a key operational zone not only for Boko Haram but also for its rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Both groups exploit the difficult terrain and limited state presence to stage attacks and evade military pressure.
The violence has placed significant strain on regional security cooperation between Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, all of which contribute troops to a multinational task force aimed at combating insurgent activity.
Broader national challenges
Chad, a landlocked Central African nation, has faced prolonged instability marked by armed rebellions, political unrest, and repeated military coups. Despite its oil resources, the country continues to struggle with widespread poverty and limited infrastructure, factors that further complicate its ability to respond effectively to security threats.
Authorities say operations are ongoing in the Lake Chad region as efforts continue to track and dismantle militant networks operating across the islands and waterways.
