Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will fly homemade explosive devices (IEDs) to specific locations in Nigeria and nearby countries in an effort to avoid detection.
According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) plans to use drones to launch attacks in the Lake Chad Basin. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will transport improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to targeted locations in Nigeria and neighboring countries to strike undetected. ISS discovered that the Nigerian military had inflicted losses on Boko Haram factions, JAS, and ISWAP, which has forced the latter to re-strategize. In addition, the research found that ISWAP employs an elaborate use of communication technology, including satellite phones, drones, social media, high-speed printers, laptops, cameras, Wi-Fi, clip-on microphones, walkie-talkies, and data compression and archiving software. These tools are used by ISWAP’s media team led by Abba Yusuf, son of the late Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf.
Former fighters who volunteered information disclosed that staff were recruited from within the sect and taught how to position themselves and take photos and videos during attacks. ISS also discovered that ISWAP used Thuraya Wi-Fi and spent approximately $6,000 per month on data. They received most of their supplies from Lagos before switching to Chad, where satellite phones are illegal.
The think-tank recommended that security agencies sustain surveillance on supply routes through checkpoint searches and collaboration among security forces in the four affected Lake Chad Basin countries. Military collaborators who assist terrorists should be held to the highest standards, and an independent ombudsman should be used to deter corruption. The authorities should liaise with community leaders and relevant groups to identify and disrupt networks aiding terrorists. Increased government investment in technology and partnership with tech companies would help counter insurgents likely to engage in cybercrime. The research also recommended going after ISWAP’s money, which is vital to its major revenue base. Curtailing access to technology will prevent it from using tech to plan and execute attacks, spread propaganda, and recruit.
In the meantime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) against terrorism financing and money laundering. At a meeting on Wednesday, EFCC Maiduguri Zonal Commander, Oshodi Johnson advised them to commit to humanitarian work and shun acts against the laws of Nigeria