An overnight assault by Boko Haram has resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 Chadian soldiers near the Nigerian border, prompting a government-led military operation to pursue the militants.
The attack occurred late Sunday at a garrison housing over 200 troops in the Lake Chad region, which has been a hotspot for various armed groups.
The Chadian presidency confirmed the tragic toll in a statement, noting that the incident took place near Ngouboua in the west of the country. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno visited the site early Monday and announced a military operation aimed at tracking down the assailants in their hideouts. Among the deceased was the garrison’s unit commander, according to a high-ranking military officer who spoke anonymously.
Reports indicate that the attackers were able to seize ammunition and equipment before making their escape. Local sources revealed that Boko Haram militants took control of the garrison, burned vehicles armed with heavy weaponry, and inflicted significant casualties.
Regional governor General Saleh Haggar Tidjani assured the public that while there were many casualties, the situation was under control and that Chadian forces were actively pursuing the attackers.
The Lake Chad region’s unique geography, featuring numerous islets and swamps, provides ideal cover for jihadist groups like Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), both of which have been known to conduct frequent attacks against military and civilian targets.
Boko Haram’s insurgency, which began in Nigeria in 2009, has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced millions across the region. This latest incident recalls a similar attack in March 2020, when around 100 Chadian soldiers were killed in a raid on the Bohoma peninsula, leading to an anti-jihadist offensive by then-president Idriss Deby Itno.
In light of the recent violence, the presidency reiterated President Deby’s commitment to the defense and security of the nation.
The International Organization for Migration has reported that over 220,000 people have been displaced due to ongoing violence in the Lake Chad province.
