Boko Haram attack on Chad army base: Suspected Boko Haram militants carried out a night-time attack on an army base in the Lake Chad region of Chad, killing at least 25 soldiers and leaving dozens injured.
The assault took place late on Monday night at a military installation in Barkaram Toloram, situated along the shores of Lake Chad.
Lake Chad is a vast body of water bordering Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Its numerous islands and marshlands have long served as hideouts for Boko Haram and other extremist groups.
According to military sources, 25 soldiers were killed and 46 injured in the attack, although a local administrative official confirmed 24 fatalities. Both sources attributed the assault to Boko Haram. Authorities said the situation is now under control.
President Condemns “Cowardly” Attack
Chad’s President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act. He expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and vowed to intensify the fight against terrorism until the threat is completely eradicated.
In recent months, Boko Haram attacks have increased in the Lake Chad region. In October 2024, around 40 Chadian soldiers were killed in a similar large-scale assault. Following that incident, President Déby personally oversaw a major military operation that continued until February 2025, after which the army claimed Boko Haram had no remaining bases in Chad.
However, recent reports indicate a resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram’s JAS faction, particularly targeting military positions on islands and near Niger’s borders. Additionally, the presence of Islamic State West Africa Province in the region has further complicated the security situation.
