Boko Haram in Nigeria reportedly adopts AI for battlefield operations

Former mid-level commanders and technical specialists from two factions of the Nigeria-based insurgent group Boko Haram have revealed how they integrated publicly accessible generative AI tools into their operational planning and logistical workflows.

According to an in-depth study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge’s AI Science & Policy Programme, fighters from the ISWAP (Islamic State’s West Africa Province) and the JAS (Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad) have been using platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Meta AI and DeepSeek since 2023 to streamline operations and troubleshoot technical challenges.

AI’s expanding role beyond propaganda

While AI has previously been used by armed groups primarily to automate propaganda content—such as generating videos, images and translated messages—this study highlights a more sophisticated and operational use case.

The report, based on interviews with 27 former Boko Haram members between 2025 and 2026, reveals that the groups have leveraged AI to:

• Plan attacks and coordinate unit movements;
• Analyze failed operations by simulating scenarios and identifying tactical adjustments;
• Troubleshoot technical failures in captured weapons or military equipment;
• Design improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and improve operational security;
• Accelerate access to technical knowledge, reducing research time from days to minutes.

One notable finding is that fighters often bypassed platform restrictions by reformulating queries, altering context, or switching between different AI services. In cases where a system refused to respond, users would simply rephrase their requests or consult another platform.

Dedicated AI units and external support

The study indicates that Boko Haram factions have gone beyond individual adoption by establishing specialized AI units composed of members skilled in engineering, armaments, explosives and logistics. These teams act as intermediaries between frontline fighters and AI systems, filtering responses and selecting only the most relevant information before sharing it with field operatives.

Access to AI tools and equipment—including laptops, encrypted software, VPNs and premium platform subscriptions—was strictly controlled and limited to trusted members to prevent leaks, surveillance or unauthorized use. This level of operational security suggests a deliberate effort to institutionalize AI integration within the group’s structure.

Training and support were reportedly provided by instructors linked to Daesh (ISIS), who conducted in-person workshops and remote assistance sessions for ISWAP members. These sessions covered AI functionality, prompt engineering, and techniques to bypass safeguards—knowledge that was then disseminated across the organization.

Challenges and limitations of AI in insurgent operations

While the study underscores the growing trust in AI among Boko Haram factions, it also highlights several critical limitations:

• Accuracy risks: AI models can generate incomplete, outdated or factually incorrect information, which may lead to flawed operational decisions.
• Methodological constraints: The findings are based solely on testimonies from former mid-ranking members, not current leadership, and have not been independently verified.
• Technical barriers: Despite AI’s accessibility, insurgent groups still face challenges in validating information, maintaining equipment, and ensuring the practical applicability of AI-generated solutions in real-world combat scenarios.

The report calls for a collaborative response from AI developers, governments and security agencies to strengthen safeguards against malicious use. It emphasizes the need for monitoring frameworks that account for organized, resourceful adversaries—not just isolated individuals.

What’s next for AI in asymmetric warfare?

The study concludes that AI adoption by armed groups is no longer a theoretical risk but a tangible reality. As generative AI tools become more accessible, even smaller, less-resourced organizations can enhance their operational capabilities in translation, information analysis, maintenance and planning.

For technology providers, the challenge lies in balancing security measures with the vast user base of these platforms. The proliferation of AI services, accounts and circumvention methods complicates oversight and requires adaptive monitoring strategies.

As Boko Haram factions deepen their investment in AI technologies—through subscriptions, hardware and specialized training—the question shifts from whether armed groups will use AI to how effectively it can be integrated without enabling greater destruction.