A groundbreaking study by the Cambridge Programme on AI Science & Policy reveals that factions of Boko Haram in the north-east of Nigeria have begun integrating generative artificial intelligence into their operational strategies. The research, led by scholar Antonia Juelich, draws on 57 interviews conducted between 2025 and 2026 with 27 former members of the insurgent group, including mid-level commanders and technical experts.
According to the report, these factions—particularly the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS)—have adopted publicly available AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Meta AI, and DeepSeek. Their adoption began in 2023, shortly after the public release of many of these platforms.
Beyond propaganda: AI’s evolving role in militant operations
While AI’s use in militant propaganda is well-documented, this study highlights a shift toward more tactical applications. Former fighters describe how these systems have been leveraged to plan operations, resolve logistical challenges, optimize movements, and enhance unit coordination.
One notable finding is the AI’s role in post-attack analysis. Fighters reportedly submitted failed operation scenarios to AI platforms to identify flaws and refine future tactics. The technology has also been used to troubleshoot captured military equipment, diagnose technical failures, and even assist in improvised explosive device (IED) design—though platform safeguards were sometimes bypassed through reformulated queries or multi-platform testing.
For militants, AI has become a fast-track to technical knowledge. Tasks that once required specialist input or days of research can now be resolved in minutes, significantly boosting operational efficiency. However, the report cautions that the accuracy and applicability of AI-generated responses in real-world combat scenarios remain unverified.
Specialized units and external support
The study details the creation of dedicated AI units within these factions, staffed by members with engineering, armaments, or explosives expertise. These teams act as intermediaries between field operatives and AI systems, refining queries and filtering responses before dissemination.
Access to these tools is tightly controlled, with usage restricted to trusted members to prevent leaks or surveillance risks. The adoption process received external support, particularly from ISIS-affiliated instructors who provided in-person training, remote assistance, and even hardware—including laptops, encryption software, and VPN access. These sessions covered AI fundamentals, query optimization, and techniques to bypass platform restrictions, with knowledge then cascaded down to other units.
Challenges and future implications
The report underscores significant limitations. Its conclusions rely solely on testimonies from former mid-ranking members, whose insights may not reflect the full scope of current organizational decisions. Additionally, the study could not independently verify each reported AI application, leaving questions about the reliability of the information provided.
Nevertheless, the findings signal a troubling trend: armed groups with limited resources can now access the same AI tools as governments, corporations, and private citizens. While these technologies do not replace human expertise, they can accelerate learning, streamline knowledge-sharing, and lower technical barriers in areas like translation, information analysis, and maintenance.
For tech developers and security agencies, the challenge lies in detecting malicious use without stifling legitimate access. The proliferation of platforms, accounts, and evasion techniques complicates oversight, prompting the report’s authors to call for enhanced collaboration among developers, public authorities, and researchers. They advocate for security frameworks designed to counter organized adversaries—not just individual bad actors—and stress the need to assess safeguards against sophisticated, coordinated threats.
As Boko Haram factions deepen their reliance on AI, the study warns of a potential arms race in technological adoption. The central question is no longer whether these groups will exploit AI, but how effectively security mechanisms can curb its weaponization.
