Lake Chad: Boko Haram attack leaves 23 Chadian soldiers dead, others injured

At least 23 soldiers of the Chadian Armed Forces have been killed and 26 others wounded following an attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters on a military base in the Lake Chad region.

The assault occurred late Monday night on Barka Tolorom Island in western Chad, a volatile area within the Lake Chad basin known for repeated insurgent attacks.

According to a statement issued by the Chadian military on Tuesday, the insurgents launched the attack under the cover of darkness, triggering a fierce gun battle with troops stationed at the base.

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The military said its forces eventually repelled the attackers and inflicted “significant casualties” on the insurgents, although no official figures were provided.

Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly” assault on the nation’s armed forces.

In a statement following the attack, Deby extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and reassured citizens of the government’s resolve to intensify operations against insurgent groups.

“We will continue the fight with renewed determination until these terrorist threats are fully neutralised,” he said.

Military authorities disclosed that clearance and reinforcement operations are ongoing in the affected area to prevent further incursions.

The Lake Chad region, which borders Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, remains a major stronghold for Boko Haram and its splinter factions, with frequent attacks on both military formations and civilian communities.

Security analysts say the latest incident underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups despite ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by countries operating under the Multinational Joint Task Force.

The attack also echoes a similar incident in October 2024, when dozens of Chadian soldiers were reportedly killed in the same region.