Boko Haram’s growing threat in Lake Chad region exposed

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno made a firm pledge in his May 5 Facebook statement: “We will continue this fight with renewed strength until this threat is completely eliminated.” His words came in response to a brazen attack launched the previous day by an offshoot of the jihadist group Boko Haram against the military base in Barka Tolorom—a strategic outpost on the Chadian side of Lake Chad. The assault left 24 soldiers dead and sent shockwaves through the region’s security apparatus.

By Kadi Alhassane — Senior correspondent