Nigeria confronts new 'drone threat' from ISWAP

The Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) recently deployed four armed drones carrying locally made grenades in an attack on the Forward Operating Base in the Wajikoro area of Borno, Northeast Nigeria, leaving about five soldiers injured.

Nigeria's military has stepped up efforts to contain ISWAP and Boko Haram insurgents. This week, local media reported that the army had thwarted plans by ISWAP to establish bases in Plateau and Bauchi states.

Using weaponized drones marks a significant shift in the insurgent group's tactics. Residents and critics are worried the new shift could further prolong the conflict in the region. Authorities have since banned the flying of drones, citing security concerns, while acknowledging that non-state actors have used the technology against military targets and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

Several African countries have adopted the use of drones, particularly the Medium Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle, in their fight against armed groups. The Sahel region is the epicenter of global terrorism and now accounts for over half of all terrorism-related deaths.

ISWAP's use of drones

ISWAP initially used drones to spread propaganda and surveillance. The group reportedly also operates tech tools like satellite internet and even uses artificial intelligence to edit propaganda materials.

In 2016, the group broke away from Boko Haram over doctrinal differences and subsequently became an affiliate of the so-calledIslamic State(IS), which gave the group access to resources and technical assistance.

Experts say the proliferation of drone warfare by state actors and its adoption by armed groups means they can enhance their offensive capabilities while minimizing risks to their fighters.

"They (ISWAP) have been using drones as observation drones for some time already," Vincent Foucher, a research fellow at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), told DW. He explained that the use of armed drones is growing in popularity with the war in Ukraine, adding it has "become a sort of staple of modern conflict."

The Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency has uprooted more than one million people from their homesImage: Adam Abu-bashal/AA/picture alliance

How ISWAP acquires drones

The insurgents' access to high-tech devices has largely been linked to their control over smuggling routes and arms trafficking networks, including looting and sourcing hardware within the country.

They also modify commercially available drones, specifically the quadcopter.

"ISWAP has proven to be highly adaptive, learning and evolving in response to state military strategies," Samuel Malik, a researcher for West Africa and the Sahel at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), told DW.

"Their shift toward incorporating drone technology mirrors broader global trends in warfare, where both state and non-state actors increasingly rely on unmanned systems for offensive and defensive operations."

Call to adapt a new strategy

Analysts say authorities must embrace a comprehensive new strategy that combines technological innovation, military preparedness, and coordination with neighboring countries.

"There is an urgent need for the deployment of systems capable of detecting, and neutralising hostile drones. Tools such as jamming devices, radar detection systems, and spoofing technologies can play a vital role in protecting military assets and civilian infrastructure from drone attacks," Malik said.

Taiwo Adebayo, who has been monitoring the war against Islamist insurgents for the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), suggested that the Nigerian state must strengthen its non-kinetic approach to counterterrorism by blocking the insurgents' supplies and disrupting their financing.

According to Foucher, ISWAP's latest use of drones to carry out attacks in the region is symbolic. "This new bout of armed drones is part of that [ISIS-ISWAP technological transfer]. I don't think it's a game-changer," Foucher said.

"It's very symbolic," the counterterrorism expert stressed, adding that it is rather proof that ISWAP is still very active.

Impact of Boko Haram insurgency

Since the Boko Haram insurgency erupted in the northeastern town of Maiduguri in July 2009, the terrorists have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and displaced over 2.3 million from their homes.

Adebayo noted that although the drones used by the terror group are still the commercially available ones modified for attacks, it still "challenges existing counterterrorism strategies.

"With aerial capabilities, ISWAP—if not quickly stopped—could conduct high-impact assaults while minimising their casualties. The group could turn military outposts and relatively secure civilian locations into potential targets. "For civilians, it would mean decreasing confidence in the state military, thereby inducing gravitation toward the insurgents.

"It's not just the guerilla warfare that we normally experience this time around; they are conducting two forms of attacks. One, looting. Most of the attacks recently are to loot local communities of their goods and properties, and attacking military bases," Ijasini Ijani, a resident, told DW.

Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu