Chad: Scores killed in security operation in Lake Chad area early April

Event

A spokesman for the Chadian army has stated on Thursday, April 9, that around 1000 Boko Haram militants were been killed during a six-day operation in the Lake Chad area. Additionally, 52 troops were killed in the operation and another 196 have been injured. The army launched the offensive on Tuesday, March 31, following one of Boko Haram's biggest ambush attacks on Chadian troops on March 23, killing almost 100. Chadian forces have also claimed that Boko Haram hideouts in the Lake Chad area have been cleared as a result of the operation. Boko Haram has not made any comments on these statements.

Retaliatory Boko Haram militant attacks are possible over the near term.

Context

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts targeting Boko Haram that began in 2015 - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - has greatly diminished the group's territorial control since 2015, its members continue to routinely carry out deadly terrorist attacks. Boko Haram's stronghold is in northeastern Nigeria, where the majority of its activities are concentrated.

Advice

Individuals in Chad, especially in the Lake Chad area, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, limit time in areas deemed likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.