Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The JNIM eliminates Abou Zeid Al-Burkinabi — the fratricidal jihad war spreads to Burkina Faso
On August 17, JNIM fighters clashed with ISIS in the Seno province of Burkina Faso, resulting in the death of commander Abou Zeid Al-Burkinabi and several of his men. This incident marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the two jihadist groups, which has escalated since 2019. The area is strategically important, and the death of Al-Burkinabi may impact local recruitment efforts for ISIS.
Marie DuboisWed Aug 19 2026Loading...
ISWAP against Boko Haram in Borno — the theft of 40 million naira triggers the fall of Gazwa
ISWAP launched an assault on Gazwa on August 7, capturing the area from Boko Haram after a conflict triggered by a theft of 40 million naira. The fighting resulted in significant casualties for Boko Haram, including the deaths of several senior commanders. ISWAP's control of Gazwa marks a shift in territorial power in the region, while the Nigerian military remains on alert for further attacks.
Marie DuboisMon Aug 17 2026Loading...ISWAP Overwhelms Two Bases in Gwoza — 14 Nigerian Soldiers Killed, Ngoshe in the Hands of Boko Haram
ISWAP attacked and overran two Nigerian army bases in Gwoza on August 11, resulting in the deaths of 14 soldiers. The assault on Ngoshe and Pulka led to the capture of weapons and ammunition, with reports indicating that Ngoshe remains under Boko Haram control. This incident highlights ISWAP's renewed operational capabilities and the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Marie DuboisSat Aug 15 2026Loading...The UN places ISWAP at the top of jihad — the Sahelian convergence tightens around Nigeria
ISWAP is actively conducting military operations in Nigeria, with an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 fighters involved. The group is recruiting from local militias like Lakurawa and coordinating with other jihadist factions. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in ISWAP's activities, surpassing historical ISIS affiliates in Iraq and Syria. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing jihadist pressure from groups like EIGS, affecting regional stability.
Marie DuboisWed Aug 12 2026Loading...ISWAP kills 8 soldiers in Borno in 2026 — the Maiduguri-Dikwa road becomes the real front
Eight soldiers from the 24 Task Force Brigade were killed by an improvised explosive device on July 30, 2026, while escorting supplies along the Maiduguri-Dikwa route in Borno, Nigeria. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISWAP to Nigerian military logistics and operations in the region. The attack is part of a broader pattern of assaults aimed at disrupting supply lines.
Marie DuboisSat Aug 01 2026Loading...
ISWAP loses 3 propagandists in Cross Kauwa and reveals its weakness in Borno
ISWAP lost three propagandists, including Abu Salim al-Barnawi, during an attack in Cross Kauwa on July 12. The Nigerian military identified the casualties and recovered video equipment, highlighting ISWAP's reliance on media for propaganda. Concurrently, a coordinated attack by ISWAP was repelled at Logomani, resulting in one Nigerian soldier's death. Unconfirmed reports suggest 104 soldiers may be missing following a prior engagement.
Marie DuboisMon Jul 27 2026Loading...Boko Haram and ISWAP Use AI in 2026 — Lake Chad Changes Doctrine
Boko Haram and ISWAP are employing artificial intelligence in 2026 to enhance their tactical capabilities in Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria. They are using AI tools for training in operational tactics, including improving explosive devices and motorcycle maneuvers. This shift indicates a significant evolution in their military operations, with ISWAP demonstrating superior organizational discipline in integrating these technologies.
Marie DuboisWed Jul 15 2026Loading...ISWAP Fails at Cross Kauwa in 2026 — a Camera Exposes Foreign Relays in Borno
ISWAP attempted an infiltration at Cross Kauwa on July 11, 2026, but was repelled by Nigerian forces from the 19th Brigade, resulting in two soldiers injured. A recovered Sony camcorder revealed operational footage and connections to foreign facilitators. The attack aimed to loot medical supplies amid a cholera outbreak, highlighting logistical challenges for ISWAP. A foreign suspect was arrested and evacuated by the Nigerian air force.
Marie DuboisTue Jul 14 2026Loading...Tillabéri Under Double Offensive — JNIM and ISSP Strike Niger in June 2026
ISSP launched attacks on military positions in In-Ates and Banibangou, Niger, on June 17, 2026, resulting in heavy losses for Nigerien forces. JNIM attempted an incursion at Niamey's airport the following day. On June 30, JNIM conducted further attacks in Makalondi, Torodi, and Diagourou, alongside operations in Burkina Faso, indicating a coordinated strategy between the two jihadist groups. The situation highlights the escalating conflict in the Tillabéri region.
Marie DuboisFri Jul 10 2026Loading...Nigeria launches its wargaming center 2026 — Abuja wants to think faster than Boko Haram
The Nigerian Army inaugurated a wargaming center in Abuja on June 26, 2023, to enhance military planning against Boko Haram and ISWAP. This center aims to improve coordination across land, maritime, air, cyber, and informational dimensions. Despite claims of neutralizing over 13,000 terrorists, challenges remain in controlling rural areas and ensuring effective military responses. The center is expected to facilitate better strategic assessments and logistical planning for future operations.
Marie DuboisSun Jun 28 2026Loading...ISWAP and Boko Haram clash on Lake Chad — 360 hostages released and 5 Nigerian soldiers killed
On June 6, 2026, the Nigerian Army released 360 hostages in the Mandara Mountains after clashes with Boko Haram, which had killed five Nigerian soldiers a day earlier. The Lake Chad region is witnessing intensified competition between ISWAP and Boko Haram for control, impacting local communities and humanitarian conditions. The Nigerian military continues operations against jihadist factions, but the situation remains complex and fluid.
Marie DuboisWed Jun 17 2026Loading...
ISWAP loses 2 commanders in Borno — Nigerian intelligence opens a fragile window
Two commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, defected to Nigerian troops on June 8, 2026, in Borno, near the Lake Chad Basin. Their defection is significant due to Abu Umar's expertise in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which could provide critical intelligence to Nigerian forces. The Nigerian military is currently interrogating the defectors to exploit this intelligence before ISWAP can adapt its operations.
Marie DuboisSun Jun 14 2026Loading...Boko Haram loses 360 captives in Borno in 2026 — the Mandara mountain remains the real front
On June 6, 2026, the Nigerian Army rescued 360 captives from Boko Haram in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State. The operation, part of the Hadin Kai initiative, highlighted the challenges of operating in difficult terrain, where Boko Haram maintains control over hostages. Despite the rescue, concerns remain about the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram, especially following their earlier kidnapping of 416 individuals in Ngoshe.
Marie DuboisSat Jun 13 2026Loading...ISWAP in Borno in 2026 — 2 commanders surrender after 200 claimed deaths
On June 8, 2026, two ISWAP commanders, Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, surrendered to Nigerian troops in Borno. This occurred after joint operations reportedly killed over 200 fighters from Boko Haram and ISWAP. The Nigerian Army emphasized the importance of the area around Mangari, which is crucial for ISWAP's operations. The U.S. has provided intelligence support to enhance the effectiveness of these operations.
Marie DuboisFri Jun 12 2026Loading...Mandaragirau 2026 — 8 dead in Borno and ISWAP resumes the base war
ISWAP attacked Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Borno at around 3 AM, resulting in eight fatalities, including five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. The Nigerian Army successfully repelled the assault and retained control of the base, while the attack aimed to test military responses and disrupt local defense systems. This incident marks a significant escalation in ISWAP's operations following recent military actions against them.
Marie DuboisSat Jun 06 2026Loading...Arege 2026 — the strike Nigeria-United States kills 21 ISWAP and sets the new pace of Lake Chad
A joint Nigerian and U.S. airstrike killed 21 ISWAP fighters in Arege, Borno, on May 30, 2026. This operation, coordinated with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), is part of a series of military actions targeting ISWAP's logistical capabilities in the Lake Chad region. The airstrike highlights a shift in U.S. involvement from training to direct operational support against jihadist groups.
Marie DuboisMon Jun 01 2026Loading...The RSF strikes al-Mourra in Kordofan in 2026 — 27 civilians killed and the Bara road becomes the center of the war
On May 28, 2026, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked the village of al-Mourra in North Kordofan, killing at least 27 civilians during the Eid al-Adha celebrations. This incident highlights the ongoing violence in the region, where RSF aims to expand their control and intimidate local populations. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, with the area around Bara becoming increasingly contested.
Marie DuboisSun May 31 2026Loading...JNIM and Islamic State clash in Niger in 2026 — three fronts threaten Nigeria
JNIM and ISSP engaged in clashes in Petel Kolé, Tillabéri, Niger, in April 2026, impacting supply routes to Burkina Faso and Benin. The conflict reflects a broader struggle for control over key transit areas in the Sahel. Concurrently, JNIM has demonstrated increased operational capacity in Mali, while the situation in the Lake Chad basin remains interconnected with ongoing violence in the region.
Marie DuboisSat May 30 2026Loading...Borno saves 92 hostages — ISWAP tests Nigerian rapid response after 175 deaths in its ranks
On May 23, 2026, the Nigerian Armed Forces rescued 92 civilians from ISWAP captors on the Buratai-Kamuya road in Borno. This operation followed the reported deaths of 175 ISWAP fighters in recent U.S.-Nigerian joint strikes. The insurgents demonstrated tactical maneuvers by using IEDs during their retreat, indicating ongoing threats in the region.
Marie DuboisFri May 29 2026Loading...Nigeria and the United States Strike ISWAP — 175 Fighters Killed Around Lake Chad
Joint airstrikes by Nigerian Armed Forces and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) killed 175 ISWAP fighters around Lake Chad from May 16 to 19, 2026. The operation targeted high-ranking jihadist Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, indicating a shift from advisory to active military involvement by U.S. forces. The strikes aimed to disrupt ISWAP's territorial and logistical capabilities, although the long-term impact on the group's operations remains uncertain.
Marie DuboisThu May 28 2026Loading...
