Analysis & Reports

AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources

Nigeria refuses any truce with Boko Haram — the offensive that reveals the fracture of the Lake Chad basin

Military OperationsPolitical-MilitaryOperational

The Nigerian military rejected any ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram and ISWAP on November 5, 2026, affirming that military operations will persist. This denial highlights the sensitive nature of maintaining control in the northeast, where armed groups exploit gaps in military presence. The situation in the Lake Chad Basin remains complicated, with various factions operating independently.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Nov 07 2026
Nigeria and the AES reposition the MNJTF in 2026 — the return of Niger becomes the issue of Lake Chad

Nigeria and the AES reposition the MNJTF in 2026 — the return of Niger becomes the issue of Lake Chad

Political-MilitaryMilitary OperationsStrategic

Nigeria is collaborating with the Sahel States Alliance (AES) to reposition the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) due to security gaps following Niger's withdrawal. The MNJTF, operational since 1994, faces challenges from ISWAP and Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region. The Nigerian Defense spokesperson emphasized the need for a diplomatic approach to reintegrate Niger while maintaining its sovereignty. The situation remains critical as armed groups exploit the security vacuum.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Nov 07 2026
The Islamic State kills 54 civilians in Mali in 2026 — the massacre reveals the void in the northeast

The Islamic State kills 54 civilians in Mali in 2026 — the massacre reveals the void in the northeast

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) killed 54 civilians in a massacre in Menaka, northeastern Mali, in October 2026. This incident underscores the group's ability to operate in areas with limited military presence, using violence to exert control and intimidate local communities. The Malian army's response has been criticized, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining security and protecting civilians in the region.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSun Oct 25 2026

IS Sahel kills 48 civilians in Mali — Ménaka becomes the laboratory of a retaliatory war

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

IS Sahel fighters killed at least 48 civilians in Menaka, Mali, between Sunday evening and Monday morning. The victims included children and the elderly, and the attacks were reportedly in retaliation for alleged cooperation with the Malian army. This incident highlights the deteriorating security situation and the challenges faced by the Malian forces in maintaining control and gathering local intelligence.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisWed Oct 21 2026
Nigeria strikes ISWAP — 103 fighters killed, but the jihadist front expands southward

Nigeria strikes ISWAP — 103 fighters killed, but the jihadist front expands southward

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

Nigerian airstrikes killed 103 ISWAP fighters in Borno and Adamawa over eight days, with a joint operation also eliminating ISWAP commander Abdussamad Ohida in Ondo. These actions demonstrate effective Nigerian intelligence capabilities against jihadist forces, although ISWAP's operational reach is expanding beyond its traditional strongholds. The military aims to disrupt ISWAP's logistics and command structure while facing challenges in maintaining territorial control.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisTue Oct 20 2026
Boko Haram strikes Guzamala — 10 Nigerian soldiers killed in a coordinated offensive in Borno

Boko Haram strikes Guzamala — 10 Nigerian soldiers killed in a coordinated offensive in Borno

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

Boko Haram attacked a Nigerian army base in Guzamala, Borno, on the night of October 15, 2026, resulting in the deaths of 10 soldiers and injuries to over 20 others. The insurgents overwhelmed the base, destroyed military vehicles, and utilized seized fishing boats for mobility. The attack reflects a shift in tactics, moving from ambushes to direct assaults on military positions, increasing pressure on nearby garrisons.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Oct 15 2026

A gold mine struck in Sudan — 72 presumed dead and the Egyptian front widens

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

On October 10, 2023, the Egyptian Air Force conducted five airstrikes on a gold mining site in northeast Sudan, resulting in 72 presumed deaths among miners. This incident, which follows a previous attack in June, raises concerns about civilian casualties amid the ongoing conflict between Sudanese armed forces and the Egyptian military's operations against illegal mining. The airstrikes occurred near the contested Egyptian-Sudanese border, complicating the regional security situation.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Oct 15 2026
France expels two agents from Niger — the intelligence break creates a void in the Sahel

France expels two agents from Niger — the intelligence break creates a void in the Sahel

Political-MilitaryInformation OperationsStrategic

Two Nigerien intelligence agents were expelled from France on September 16, 2026, amid deteriorating diplomatic relations. This expulsion highlights the collapse of security communication channels between Paris and Niamey, following a coup in Niger and the withdrawal of French military forces. The situation in the Sahel is further complicated by a significant increase in displaced persons, now nearing four million.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisTue Oct 13 2026

ISWAP sends 100 fighters to Mali — the Sahel and Nigeria form a single jihadist theater in 2026

Force MovementMilitary OperationsOperational

ISWAP is deploying around 100 fighters to Menaka, Mali, and 50 to Nasarawa, Nigeria, as part of a strategy to reinforce its presence in the Sahel. This movement reflects ongoing military pressures and operational adjustments within ISWAP, which is adapting to challenges in the region. The situation underscores the difficulties in tracking jihadist movements across borders and the evolving nature of threats in the Sahel and Nigeria.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Oct 10 2026
ISWAP strikes Kukawa in Nigeria — 10 soldiers killed and the Lake Chad front cracks in 2026

ISWAP strikes Kukawa in Nigeria — 10 soldiers killed and the Lake Chad front cracks in 2026

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

ISWAP attacked the Nigerian Special Forces 101st Battalion in Kukawa on October 7, 2026, resulting in 10 Nigerian soldiers killed and claims of 25 militants killed. The Nigerian military reported that their forces held the position with air support, but the attack highlights ongoing challenges in controlling the area. The geography of Kukawa complicates military operations, allowing ISWAP to exploit local conditions effectively.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Oct 08 2026

Tigrayan rebels launch offensive in Ethiopia — the northern front threatens to reignite war in 2026

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

Tigrayan rebels resumed offensive actions against the Ethiopian army on October 1, 2026, raising concerns of renewed warfare in northern Ethiopia. The conflict dynamics involve complex political and military factors, with the Ethiopian government struggling to manage multiple fronts. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Oct 01 2026
Boko Haram and ISWAP Strike Nigeria — Pulka Reveals the New Test for Borno's Defense

Boko Haram and ISWAP Strike Nigeria — Pulka Reveals the New Test for Borno's Defense

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

The Nigerian Army repelled an attack by ISWAP near Pulka on September 7, 2026, resulting in one soldier being injured. The operation involved ground troops and air support, leading to the recovery of weapons and ammunition from the attackers. A subsequent intelligence note warns of possible coordinated attacks targeting schools and churches in the region.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisWed Sep 16 2026
Nigeria and Boko Haram negotiate a three-month truce — Abuja's risky bet against ISWAP

Nigeria and Boko Haram negotiate a three-month truce — Abuja's risky bet against ISWAP

Political-MilitaryMilitary OperationsStrategic

Nigeria has been negotiating a three-month ceasefire with Boko Haram since June 2023, following the release of 360 civilians. The ceasefire, which may be extended, is focused on communities near Ngoshe in Borno. However, ISWAP, a rival group, is not part of this agreement, raising concerns about the potential for increased violence. Previous ceasefire attempts have collapsed, indicating uncertainty about the effectiveness of this arrangement.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Sep 10 2026
The internal war between Boko Haram and ISWAP ignites Sambisa — 23 dead in Borno during the electoral campaign

The internal war between Boko Haram and ISWAP ignites Sambisa — 23 dead in Borno during the electoral campaign

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP elements in Sambisa, Borno, since September 2, resulting in 23 jihadists killed. The conflict has escalated, impacting local politics as an APC gubernatorial candidate's convoy was targeted by an IED and RPG fire. The Nigerian military has not confirmed these incidents, highlighting ongoing instability in the region.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Sep 05 2026

Borno 2026 — two surrenders and a thwarted ambush do not resume the Monguno-Banki axis

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

On September 2, a patrol from the 151 Task Force Battalion was attacked by an IED and gunfire along the Miyanti-Banki axis in Borno, resulting in the death of three assailants. Two ISWAP fighters surrendered in Monguno with assault rifles and personal items. Despite these events, the Nigerian Army struggles to maintain control over supply routes, indicating ongoing logistical challenges in the region.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisWed Sep 02 2026
The 68th Battalion Is Not Enough — Mallam-Fatori Without Village Chiefs Reveals the Fragility of the Return to Borno in 2026

The 68th Battalion Is Not Enough — Mallam-Fatori Without Village Chiefs Reveals the Fragility of the Return to Borno in 2026

Political-MilitaryMilitary OperationsStrategic

Governor Babagana Zulum suspended local village chiefs in Mallam-Fatori, Borno, highlighting the fragility of civil return in 2026. He inspected damaged infrastructure and emphasized the need for local governance alongside military presence to ensure stability. The 68th Battalion remains active in the area, but the lack of local leadership raises security concerns as displaced populations begin to return.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisTue Sep 01 2026
The Niamey Mutiny in 2026 Reveals a Niger Dependent on the Africa Corps and Algiers

The Niamey Mutiny in 2026 Reveals a Niger Dependent on the Africa Corps and Algiers

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesPolitical-MilitaryHybrid

Nigerien soldiers engaged in a mutiny at Base 101 in Niamey on August 28-29, 2026, taking hostages and attempting to seize key government locations. The mutiny was met with support from the Africa Corps and Algerian military, highlighting Niger's reliance on foreign assistance amid internal strife. The situation reflects a deteriorating security environment and challenges to the current military regime's authority.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisTue Sep 01 2026
Base 101 in Niamey under fire — the failed mutiny of 2026 exposes the fragility of the Tiani regime

Base 101 in Niamey under fire — the failed mutiny of 2026 exposes the fragility of the Tiani regime

Military OperationsCommand & ControlOperational

Gunfire and explosions occurred around Diori Hamani Airport and Base 101 in Niamey on August 29, 2026, indicating an attack on the Nigerien military. The Nigerien Defense Ministry described the incident as a mutiny attempt, revealing vulnerabilities in the regime's control. This situation raises concerns about internal dissent and the effectiveness of the military's security measures in the capital.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Aug 29 2026
Base 101 in Niamey hit for the third time — the Tiani regime loses its rear in 2026

Base 101 in Niamey hit for the third time — the Tiani regime loses its rear in 2026

Military OperationsInformation OperationsOperational

On August 29, 2026, Base 101 in Niamey was attacked for the third time in eight months, with gunfire and explosions reported near Diori Hamani International Airport and the presidential area. The Nigerien military claimed to have regained control, but the repeated attacks raise concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the capital. This incident reflects a significant shift in the operational environment, indicating that Niamey is becoming a contested area rather than a secure rear base.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Aug 29 2026
"The 150 surrenders of Boko Haram and ISWAP in Nigeria do not yet signal victory"

"The 150 surrenders of Boko Haram and ISWAP in Nigeria do not yet signal victory"

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

On August 25, over 150 fighters from Boko Haram and ISWAP surrendered near Maiduguri, Nigeria, marking a significant increase in surrenders due to intensified military pressure. The report highlights that while this indicates stress within the insurgent networks, it does not equate to a strategic defeat. The Nigerian military's ongoing operations aim to disrupt insurgent logistics and maintain territorial control in the region.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisTue Aug 25 2026