A groundbreaking study by the University of Cambridge reveals that insurgent groups in Nigeria, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have actively experimented with popular AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini to optimize their tactical operations. The findings, based on interviews with former fighters, indicate that AI tools were used for guidance on attacks, bomb-making, and battlefield maneuvers.
Former commanders detail AI use
According to the report by The New York Times, researcher Antonia Juelich interviewed former Boko Haram members over the past year. One former commander described how the group turned to AI after a failed military operation: 'We saw in a movie how motorcycles can jump over bridges. We used AI to learn how to do this. We gave it information, like what motorcycles we use and the distance we need to jump and so on, and it gave us steps on what we have to do.' Mechanics then modified the motorcycles to improve speed and acceleration, and fighters practiced the stunt before launching another attack.
AI used for bomb-making and weapons repair
The study found that AI was not only used for movement during attacks. Former fighters claimed they asked chatbots questions about repairing weapons, improving equipment, gathering operational information, and designing improvised explosive devices. One former ISWAP commander described the accessibility of the technology: 'You type in the question or use your voice, and it gives you a detailed answer, like "How can I build a bomb?" and then it tells you how. It is like a human robot! We used it a lot.' Another former Boko Haram member stated that AI helped improve the effectiveness of explosives: 'Before, the bomb explosion was not that big, but then they studied it. AI told us what chemicals to put in that made the explosion heavier.'
AI reduces trial and error
Several former members said AI reduced trial and error during operations. One noted: 'Trial-and-error can kill you. AI gives you accuracy.' Another commander described AI as an important part of the group's operations: 'God has helped us, and so will AI.' The insurgents experimented with multiple platforms, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and DeepSeek, comparing responses to identify the most useful information. Some experienced members attempted to bypass safety restrictions by disguising dangerous requests as harmless, such as claiming they needed information for a movie project.
AI companies respond
OpenAI stated that using its products for terrorism or violence is prohibited and that it continues to strengthen safeguards against misuse. Google and Anthropic also said their AI models are designed to refuse dangerous requests while regularly improving safety systems. Security experts warn that AI could make lower-level operatives more capable by making technical knowledge easier to access, though they do not expect it to dramatically transform terrorism in the immediate future.
