Chadian Military Lands in Controversy Amid Claims of Mistaken Airstrike on Nigerian Fishermen
Following a series of raids by Boko Haram militants, the Chadian military has found itself under scrutiny amidst allegations of mistakenly killing numerous fishermen in Nigeria’s Lake Chad region. This disturbing incident took place just days after a Boko Haram attack on a Chadian military base, resulting in the loss of 40 lives.
Eyewitnesses claim that on Wednesday, the Chadian military conducted an airstrike on Tilma Island, targeting the wrong targets. Scores of fishermen, who were working on the island, were caught in the crossfire.
Two anti-jihadist militia groups, working alongside Nigerian soldiers to counter the militant groups in the region, have corroborated the reports. According to Babakura Kolo, a leader of the anti-jihadist militia, the Chadian fighter jet mistakenly targeted the fishermen, assuming they were Boko Haram militants, who recently launched an attack on a military base in Chad.
“There was an attack on fishermen by a fighter jet belonging to the Chadian military in Tilma Island, which killed scores of fishermen. The jet mistook the fishermen for Boko Haram terrorists who attacked a military base inside Chad on Sunday,” Kolo explained.
A Chadian military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the airstrikes, emphasizing the complex challenges of distinguishing between civilians and militants in the region. “Boko Haram fighters often blend in with fishermen and farmers whenever they commit their crimes. It is, therefore, difficult to distinguish between the population and the terrorists,” the official noted.
The Chadian government has launched “Operation Haskanite,” aimed at eliminating Boko Haram forces, following a deadly raid by Boko Haram on a Chadian base. Eyewitnesses report that many fishermen from Baga, Doron-Baga, and Duguri were among the victims, with bodies and injured individuals being transported to a nearby military base.
Survivors claim the airstrike was sudden and devastating, with one fisherman, Sallau Arzika, recounting the panic that ensued. “The fighter jet encircled Tilma before beginning to drop bombs while people ran in all directions for cover,” Arzika said.
Another fisherman, Labo Sani, from Doron-Baga, lost two friends and witnessed the critically injuring of third in the airstrike. “We were carrying out our fishing and it never crossed our mind that we would be attacked and killed by a fighter jet,” Sani said.
Naijawebinfo reports that Chad has sought increased international support to combat jihadist violence in the Lake Chad area, where Boko Haram and other militant groups operate from isolated islets. The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009 in Nigeria, has since spread across the region, claiming tens of thousands of lives and displacing millions.
