Boko Haram Now Using AI to Enhance Terrior Operations – New Report

A new study has revealed that Boko Haram fighters have increasingly turned to artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok and DeepSeek, to improve their operational capabilities and battlefield strategies.

The findings, reported by The New York Times, are based on research conducted by Antonia Juelich of the University of Cambridge. The study drew on interviews with former Boko Haram members, offering a rare insight into how the insurgent group has adapted to emerging technologies.

According to the research, the terrorists used AI-powered chatbots to obtain technical guidance on a range of operational issues, including battlefield tactics, weapon repairs and overcoming logistical challenges.

One former Boko Haram commander recalled how the group sought AI assistance after an attack on a military base failed because a defensive trench prevented their motorcycles from advancing.

“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 it gave us steps on what we have to do,” he said.

The former commander explained that mechanics modified the motorcycles to improve their speed and acceleration before the fighters successfully carried out practice runs of the manoeuvre.

The study also found that AI tools were used to obtain information on repairing firearms and designing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). One former insurgent described the technology as “like a human robot”, while another said AI reduced the risks associated with experimentation.

“Trial and error can kill you. AI gives you accuracy,” the ex-commander said.

Researchers further discovered that some fighters attempted to bypass built-in safety measures on AI chatbots by disguising dangerous requests as harmless projects, such as claiming the information was needed for a film production. They also compared responses from different AI platforms to identify which systems disclosed more detailed information.

Reacting to the findings, OpenAI said the use of its technology to promote terrorism or violence is strictly prohibited and stressed that it continues to strengthen safeguards to prevent abuse. Google and Anthropic similarly stated that their AI models are designed to reject harmful requests while continuously improving safety protections.

The report highlights growing concerns among security experts about the potential misuse of rapidly advancing AI technologies by extremist groups, despite efforts by technology companies to limit access to dangerous information.