Dozens of Nigerian fishermen feared dead after Chad air strikes on Boko Haram
Dozens of Nigerian fishermen are reported missing after Chad's army carried out air strikes against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad area. The growing fear of casualties has reopened debate about the civilian cost of cross-border operations.
Dozens of Nigerian fishermen are reported missing after Chad's army carried out air strikes against Boko Haram around Lake Chad. Witnesses speaking to the BBC said a shoreline area used by fishermen was hit during the operation.
Nigeria's government said it had formally requested information about the incident from its Chadian counterparts. Chad's army said the strikes targeted Boko Haram militants and that intelligence was carefully assessed to protect civilians.
Boko Haram has been active for more than 15 years across northern Nigeria and the border regions of Chad, Cameroon and Niger. Most people living around Lake Chad depend on fishing for their income, and the area has become one of the most affected civilian zones in successive military operations.
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