Chadian Soldier Arrested Among Dozens Of Security Personnel Expresses Allegiance To Boko Haram, Jihadist Ideals
Chadian authorities have taken swift action against security personnel accused of collaborating with Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) factions to facilitate attacks on defensive sites in Baggara, Lac Province.
This move is part of Operation Haskinate, a crackdown on those undermining national security.
The evidence against the accused personnel came to light through a series of interrogation videos received on November 15, 2024, according to a report by a counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad area, Zagazola Makama.
Chad has faced challenges from Islamist armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have carried out attacks against civilians in the Lake Chad area.
The Chadian government has been working to address these security concerns, including contributing to regional counterterrorism operations in the Sahel.
According to the report, one of the suspects arrested hails from the Guran ethnic group, known for their historical opposition to the late President Idriss Déby and his Zaghawa-led administration.
The reported noted that Guran ethnic group has a complex history, having been associated with the late Hissène Habré, which has contributed to ongoing tensions with the Zaghawa tribe.
Notably, the Zaghawa tribe is currently led by President Mahamat Idriss Déby, adding another layer of complexity to the situation, it said.
Makama, in a post shared on X his handle on Monday morning, said that during interrogation, one detainee reportedly expressed allegiance to Boko Haram and jihadist ideals.
According to Makama, who also shared some video clips, said that statements made during the interrogation of the suspect include a declaration that the Zaghawa tribe, despite holding power, “does not follow the Quran properly.” There were also reported claims of seeking “Shahada” (martyrdom), assertions that “power belongs to Allah and Muslims,” while labeling the Sara ethnic group, predominantly Christian, as having no legitimate role in Chad.
It said, “When questioned about potential jihadist networks, the suspect indicated a global presence of sympathizers, mentioning countries such as Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and Chad.
“He called on Chadian Muslims to rise against perceived “unbelievers,” while denying any intention of outright war, instead advocating for “fighting” in a religious context.
“Troops involved in the operation reportedly reassured the suspect that he would not be executed, despite his statements challenging the state’s authority.”
The arrests come amid growing concerns over insurgent activity and alleged infiltration within security ranks in Chad’s Lac Province, a region plagued by instability and cross-border militant movements.
It’s worth noting that JAS has been significantly weakened by mass defections, particularly after the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in 2021. However, ISWAP, another faction, has gained strength and become one of the most successful affiliates of the Islamic State.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by authorities in addressing the complex web of ethnic tensions, historical conflicts, and extremist group activities in the region.
