Chadian military post struck by Boko Haram in Lake Chad region
The assault on the Barka Tolorom island base marks a renewed escalation in the long-standing insurgency along the borders of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.
At least 23 Chadian soldiers were killed and 26 injured in an attack on a military post located on the island of Barka Tolorom in the Lake Chad region. The assault, carried out by the Nigeria-based armed group Boko Haram, occurred on Monday night according to reports from the country's armed forces.
The military stated on Tuesday that a significant number of the attackers were killed and the group was successfully repelled. Despite this claim, the incident highlights the persistent vulnerability of advanced army positions in the marshes and islands that sit at the junction of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno condemned the assault as cowardly in a statement issued on Tuesday. He vowed to continue the fight with renewed determination until the threat is completely eradicated and offered his condolences to the bereaved families. The administration's response underscores the ongoing political commitment to stabilise the region despite years of instability.
This latest incident follows a surge in attacks by Boko Haram's JAS faction over recent months, which has included kidnappings and assaults on advanced army positions, particularly along Niger's portion of the lake's shores. The islands and marshes of Lake Chad continue to serve as a haven for the group and its rival splinter group, the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The attack comes shortly after a counteroffensive launched by President Deby in February 2025, which the army claimed had eradicated Boko Haram's sanctuary on Chadian territory. However, the loss of 23 soldiers suggests that the insurgency remains active and capable of striking hard at military infrastructure.
Chad has faced recurring rebellions, armed factions and coups in recent years. Despite its oil wealth, economic stagnation and a harsh climate have kept the nation among the poorest in Africa, complicating efforts to secure the border regions against such persistent threats.
