A new report by the Cambridge Programme on AI Science & Policy has revealed that Boko Haram has integrated artificial intelligence into its insurgency, using widely available AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Meta AI and DeepSeek to support attack planning, explosives design, drone operations and battlefield decision-making.
The report, based on 57 face-to-face interviews conducted in Borno and Adamawa states between 2025 and 2026, found that the terrorist group has moved beyond casual experimentation with AI to establish dedicated technical units responsible for applying the technology across different stages of its operations.
Researchers interviewed 27 former Boko Haram members, including mid-ranking commanders, bomb-makers, engineers, weapons specialists and other technical personnel. Their testimonies covered the group’s AI activities between 2023 and 2024, while one participant provided information extending to mid-2025.
According to the report, 15 of the 27 interviewees had direct knowledge of the AI programme, while the remaining participants were unaware because access to the technology was limited to selected commanders and specialised technical teams.
The findings showed that both factions of Boko Haram—the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS)—created dedicated AI units comprising between five and 20 members. These teams included bomb-makers, engineers, intelligence personnel, gun specialists, computer-literate fighters and senior commanders.
