ISWAP’s Weaponization of Drones: A New Challenge for Lake Chad Basin Security

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has begun using weaponized drones in its insurgency, first evident in a December 2024 attack on a Nigerian military base. This new tactic complicates counter-terrorism efforts, demanding urgent adaptation from regional forces. Enhanced recruitment and weaponry capabilities, along with the need for counter-drone technology, highlight the evolving nature of this threat in the Lake Chad Basin.

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has escalated its insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin by utilizing weaponized drones. The milestone event occurred on December 24, 2024, when ISWAP attacked Nigeria’s Forward Operating Base in Wajiroko using drones armed with locally manufactured grenades, injuring several soldiers. This marked the first instance of drone deployment by a terrorist group in the region, with subsequent drone attacks reported in Damaturu and Abadam.

ISWAP’s incorporation of drone warfare signifies a critical challenge for counter-terrorism efforts in the area. Although state armed forces in Africa have previously employed drones for various military operations, the rise of non-state actors utilizing this technology poses significant concerns. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) had warned in 2023 that ISWAP was close to weaponizing drones, indicating a shift in insurgent tactics.

The issue was further emphasized at the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, highlighting the urgent need for regional security forces to adapt to the evolving threat presented by ISWAP’s enhanced capabilities. Initially, the group used drones for surveillance and propaganda, drawing inspiration from other extremist organizations in Somalia, Libya, and elsewhere.

The weaponization of drones by ISWAP marks a troubling evolution in warfare capabilities amongst non-state actors. Moreover, ISWAP’s ability to recruit and equip young fighters with advanced weaponry poses additional challenges, demonstrated by a recent video showcasing recruits training with sophisticated firearms like the ArmaLite AR-10 and Orsis T-5000 sniper rifles. This underscores the group’s strategic planning and commitment to sustaining its insurgency.

Despite ongoing efforts by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) involving Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, countering ISWAP’s evolving tactics demands significantly more resources and focus. Major General Godwin Mutkut of the MNJTF pointed out the critical need for counter-drone technology to protect civilians and security personnel from such aerial threats.

Several pressing questions arise from ISWAP’s use of drone technology. Notably, the manner in which the group accessed this technology deserves scrutiny, especially given ongoing counter-terrorism initiatives aimed at disrupting their capabilities. Additionally, the origins of potential transnational networks supplying drones to ISWAP warrant investigation, along with strategies for regional forces to counter this new form of insurgency.

Reports indicate that ISWAP’s weaponization of drones is facilitated through smuggling and arms trafficking networks. The group’s capacity for precision attacks could lead to devastating consequences, potentially destabilizing regions and sowing fear among civilians, further undermining trust in state protection.

To effectively address ISWAP’s growing threat, a robust, coordinated strategy is essential. Priority should be given to deploying counter-drone technologies and improving intelligence sharing among security agencies across affected countries. Monitoring and disrupting ISWAP’s supply chains, as well as conducting preemptive strikes against drone assembly sites, must also be prioritized.

While immediate action is crucial, governments should not neglect long-term strategies that address the underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities ISWAP exploits. Initiatives aimed at enhancing security presence, governance, and economic opportunities in rural areas are vital in combating recruitment and radicalization efforts. Collaboration with international partners for technical support is recommended to strengthen the fight against ISWAP’s adaptive tactics.

In summary, the use of weaponized drones by ISWAP in the Lake Chad Basin represents a significant escalation in its insurgency tactics, posing a formidable challenge for regional security forces. Addressing this evolving threat necessitates a multi-faceted approach that combines immediate technological responses with long-term socio-economic strategies aimed at mitigating the root causes of extremism. Enhanced cooperation among regional governments and international partners will be essential in effectively countering ISWAP’s capabilities and securing stability in the region.

Original Source: allafrica.com