Chadian President Takes Charge On Frontlines Against Boko Haram After Deadly Attack

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno is now personally directing a counter-offensive against Boko Haram after the group’s deadly attack on a military garrison, the Chadian presidency reported Thursday.

The attack, which began late Sunday and continued into Monday, claimed around 40 lives at the base in the Lake Chad region, an area long troubled by militant activity.

EDITOR’S PICKS

• ‘I Feel Sorry For Joshua’ After Knockout Loss To Dubois – Fury
• EPL: What We’re Lacking Is Luck – Ten Hag Reacts After Loss To West Ham
• REVEALED: Why TCN Is Struggling To Resolve Power Outages In Northern State

“The president of the republic and supreme commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, remains stationed at Lake Chad, where he is directly overseeing ‘Operation Haskanite,’” the presidency announced on Facebook, along with a photo of the 40-year-old leader in military uniform.

Deby is reportedly conducting numerous briefings, directing efforts to eliminate Boko Haram’s presence. The operation involves both ground and air forces, which have now been mobilized.

A military officer, speaking anonymously, revealed that reconnaissance has identified a Boko Haram hideout from the air.

Prime Minister Abderahim Bireme Hamid confirmed on Wednesday that the militants killed approximately 40 and injured 37 others, adding that this operation aims to “secure our peaceful population” and “eradicate Boko Haram and its affiliates.”

Chad has called on the international community to enhance support for counter-terrorism initiatives in the region. The Lake Chad area, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, remains a stronghold for Boko Haram and ISWAP militants who operate from the marshy islands.

FURTHER READING

• Oko-Abe Community High School Nears Completion as Rep Wale Raji, Education Commissioner Tolani Alli-Balogun Inspect Epe Schools
• NLC Knocks IMF Over Fuel Subsidy Removal Denial
• N3 Billion Fraud: Labour Ministry Summons National Assembly Staff Leadership

Boko Haram’s insurgency, which began in Nigeria in 2009, has caused more than 40,000 deaths and displaced millions, expanding its influence to neighbouring countries. Chad suffered its largest single-day loss in March 2020, when about 100 soldiers died in an attack at Bohoma.

Following his father Idriss Deby Itno’s death in 2021, Mahamat Deby was named head of state by the military. His father, a leader for 30 years, often commanded operations on the front lines.

Click here to watch our video of the week: