A deadly assault by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on a military outpost in the Lake Chad region has resulted in the deaths of 23 Chadian soldiers, with an additional 26 troops sustaining injuries. The attack, which occurred late Monday, targeted a base on the island of Barka Tolorom within Lake Chad.
The Chadian military reported that its forces engaged the militants in a fierce exchange of gunfire, successfully repelling the assault and inflicting heavy losses on the attackers, though the exact number of insurgent casualties was not disclosed.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a cowardly act by Boko Haram. In an official statement, he extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and reaffirmed Chad’s commitment to stepping up military operations against terrorist groups active in the Lake Chad basin. He vowed to continue the fight with renewed determination until the insurgent threat is completely neutralized.
The Lake Chad region, which borders Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, remains a volatile hotspot for Boko Haram and its splinter factions. Cross-border attacks on both military and civilian targets are frequent. This latest incident echoes a similar attack in October 2024, when around 40 Chadian soldiers were killed in the same area. Security sources indicate that Chadian forces have faced mounting pressure in recent months.
Military authorities confirmed that operations are ongoing to secure the area and prevent further incursions by insurgent elements.