Jihadists in Nigeria 'institutionalise' AI for combat and bombmaking

Nigerian jihadists have taken to using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ways that 'surpass previous expectations', according to a new study. The study, which focuses on the use of AI by Nigerian jihadists, reveals that the tech has been 'institutionalised' within militant groups, with dedicated units working with AI and organising training on how to use chatbots.

Antonia Juelich, the author of the study and a researcher affiliated with Cambridge University, spoke with AFP on Monday. Juelich noted that the adoption of AI by terrorist groups has been 'much faster, more extensive, and more systematic' than initially thought. 'It's not just some individual commanders who became aware of AI, but they have really institutionalised it, in terms of having dedicated units working with AI and organising training on how to use chatbots,' she added.

The study covered the use of AI by Nigerian jihadists from 2023 through 2024. One militant even spoke on AI use as recently as 2025. The use of AI by Nigerian jihadists has been on the rise in recent years, with the tech being used for everything from battlefield strategy to bombmaking. Juelich noted that the use of AI has been so widespread that 'safeguards' embedded in the tech 'haven't kicked in' in cases where the tech is used for nefarious purposes.

According to the study, former ISWAP members were trained on how to use AI for combat. The group even used AI to study battlefield tactics that could lead to reduced casualties. 'We saw in a movie how motorcycles can jump over bridges. We used AI to learn how to do this,' an ex-ISWAP member was quoted in the study as saying.

The study also noted that chatbots have been used to introduce new types of explosive devices and improve existing ones. A former JAS commander said that 'AI told us what chemicals to put in that made the explosion heavier.'

The research comes as AI bosses have warned that their technology could pose existential risks for humanity while also promising safeguards embedded in their chatbots.

Juelich expressed concern over the trajectory of AI adoption by terrorist groups. 'I'm worried about the trajectory, where terrorist groups embrace AI and the safeguards are not strong enough,' she said.