The use of weaponized drones by ISWAP marks a significant escalation in their insurgency, challenging existing counter-terrorism strategies in the Lake Chad Basin. The group has evolved from propaganda to direct combat using drones, demanding immediate and coordinated actions from regional security forces to address this threat.
The rise of weaponized drones by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) represents a pivotal moment in counter-terrorism efforts within the Lake Chad Basin. The December 2024 attack on Nigeria’s Forward Operating Base in Wajiroko marked the first known instance of such technology being used in direct combat by a terrorist group in the region. This assault, where ISWAP deployed armed drones carrying locally made grenades, resulted in injuries to several soldiers.
The evolution of ISWAP’s tactics necessitates urgent attention from regional security forces and governments to combat the growing threat posed by drone warfare. Implementing counter-drone technologies, enhancing intelligence sharing, and conducting preemptive strikes on drone assembly sites are essential actions. Long-term solutions focused on addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities and governance gaps are critical to undermine ISWAP’s recruitment capabilities and sustain security in the region.
Original Source: allafrica.com
