A deadly assault on a military installation in Chad’s Lac Province has left at least 24 soldiers dead and numerous others injured, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, May 5. The attack, which occurred Monday evening near the Chadian shore of Lake Chad, was swiftly attributed to the notorious jihadist faction Boko Haram by military and regional officials.
According to a military spokesperson, the assault resulted in 25 fatalities and 46 wounded among government forces. Meanwhile, a local administrative official reported slightly lower figures—24 deaths and several injuries—while echoing the same assessment of Boko Haram’s involvement. Both sources emphasized that the situation was swiftly brought under control following the brazen strike.
Chad’s president vows relentless counter-terrorism response
Chadian Head of State Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno took to social media to condemn the predawn raid, describing it as a cowardly act perpetrated by Boko Haram against the Barka Tolorom military outpost. In a statement posted on Facebook, he declared, “We will continue our fight with renewed determination until this menace is completely eradicated.” The president also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
The Chadian military remains a primary target for Boko Haram in the volatile Lac Province—a sprawling wetland straddling the borders of Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. Since 2009, this region has become a hotbed of jihadist activity, hosting both Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Recent months have seen a spike in attacks by the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), one of Boko Haram’s factions. These assaults have included kidnappings and raids on security outposts, particularly along the Nigerian shoreline and within the region’s island networks.
In October 2024, a similar assault on a military base in the Lake Chad basin claimed around 40 Chadian lives. In response, President Déby Itno launched Operation Haskanite, a military campaign aimed at dismantling Boko Haram’s operational capabilities. By February 2025, the Chadian army announced the successful conclusion of its counteroffensive, asserting that “no jihadist sanctuaries remain on Chadian soil.”
Ongoing threats despite military gains
Despite these advances, security analysts warn that Boko Haram continues to pose a significant threat in the subregion. The group frequently shifts tactics, exploiting porous borders and difficult terrain to launch surprise attacks. The latest assault underscores the persistent challenges faced by regional governments in combating extremist violence.
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