NEWS: The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has emerged as the most powerful jihadist organisation in the Lake Chad basin, overtaking Boko Haram in influence and capability. 

Lake Chad Basin

• A major transnational drainage basin in Central and West Africa
• Covering nearly 8% of Africa’s land surface and extending across parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin.
• Contains extensive wetlands and floodplains
• Has faced severe droughts, shrinking lake area, reduced river flows, falling groundwater levels, soil erosion etc

Lake Chad

• A major freshwater lake and an important wetland in the Sahel region.
• Shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad, with the Nigerian section mainly in Borno and Yobe States.
• It is a shallow endorheic lake, fed mainly by the Logone-Chari and Komadougou rivers, with no outlet to the sea.
• Supports rich biodiversity, including migratory birds, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, Nile monitor, tortoise, otter, giraffe and ostrich.
• The region has a Sahelian climate, with low rainfall, a short rainy season and a long dry season.