A recent study by English researcher Antonia Juelich has brought to light the systematic use of artificial intelligence by the terrorist organization Boko Haram. This group, active for over two decades, has been responsible for numerous atrocities, including massacres and war crimes, primarily in northern Nigeria.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into various aspects of life, and terrorist organizations are now demonstrating a willingness to exploit this advanced technology. Juelich’s research specifically highlights Boko Haram’s consistent reliance on AI to inform and guide its military decision-making processes in the region.

In recent years, various terrorist entities, notably the Islamic State, have cultivated extensive networks of AI specialists. These experts, sourced globally, are reportedly deployed to train militant forces directly on the ground, sharing their knowledge and skills.

“Allah helped us, AI will help us too”

Accounts from Boko Haram members reveal that training sessions, complete with slides and projectors, are conducted to educate them on mastering AI tools. Through this newfound expertise, they claim to have successfully bypassed security on certain foreign weapons, making them operational by cleaning them with diesel, a method purportedly advised by artificial intelligence.

Furthermore, platforms like ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini are said to have provided jihadists with instructions for manufacturing novel and more potent explosive devices, enhancing their combat capabilities.

The report also details instances where terrorists, guided by AI, learned specific tactical maneuvers, such as crossing a ditch on a motorcycle in a manner reminiscent of action films, enabling them to execute an attack on a military base within Nigeria.

While these Islamist groups have long utilized AI to refine their propaganda efforts, they are now clearly transforming this technology into a critical operational asset. This strategic shift is underscored by a prevailing mantra within Boko Haram’s ranks: “Allah helped us, AI will help us too.”