Boko Haram Allegedly Used ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Other AI Tools to Plan Attacks – Cambridge Report Raises Security Concerns

Boko Haram Allegedly Used ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Other AI Tools to Plan Attacks – Cambridge Report Raises Security Concerns

A new report from the Cambridge Programme on AI Science & Policy claims that Boko Haram has been using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve its military operations, including attack planning, drone operations, explosives troubleshooting, logistics and battlefield analysis.

The findings are based on 57 face-to-face interviews conducted with 27 former Boko Haram members across Borno and Adamawa states between 2025 and 2026. According to the report, the participants included former bomb-makers, engineers, weapons specialists, intelligence personnel and mid-level commanders who described how the terrorist group allegedly integrated AI into its operations from 2023 onward.

Boko Haram Reportedly Created Dedicated AI Units

Rather than allowing ordinary fighters to use AI chatbots, the report says both ISWAP and the JAS faction established specialized AI units made up of five to 20 trained members.

These teams reportedly included bomb-makers, gun specialists, engineers, intelligence officers, computer-literate fighters and senior commanders.

The report alleges that the units used several publicly available AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Meta AI and DeepSeek, with ChatGPT identified as one of the earliest and most frequently used systems.

According to former members, AI specialists analyzed chatbot responses before passing instructions to commanders and fighters in the field.

Foreign Operatives Allegedly Provided Training and Premium AI Access

The report further claims that foreign Islamic State operatives introduced AI technology to ISWAP through structured training sessions.

Selected commanders reportedly attended demonstrations where AI tools were showcased using projectors, after which trained personnel passed their knowledge down through different camps.

Former members alleged that the foreign trainers also supplied laptops, VPN services, encrypted communication tools and paid subscriptions to multiple AI platforms.

To avoid account suspensions, they reportedly used accounts created outside Nigeria, including accounts linked to supporters and deceased members.

How Boko Haram Allegedly Used AI

According to the Cambridge report, AI chatbots were allegedly used to support multiple aspects of insurgent operations, including:

- Planning and comparing attack strategies

- Troubleshooting explosive device designs

- Repairing weapons, vehicles and equipment

- Improving logistics and supply chains

- Enhancing operational security

- Calculating drone payload capacity

- Improving drone release mechanisms

- Reviewing failed attacks for future improvements

- Analyzing battlefield images

- Finding ways to overcome military defenses

One former member reportedly stated:

«"Trial and error can kill you. AI gives you accuracy."»

AI Allegedly Assisted Drone and Battlefield Operations

The report describes one incident in which battlefield images captured by a fighter wearing a chest-mounted camera were allegedly analyzed using ChatGPT before tactical adjustments were relayed back to fighters.

Another example claims AI was used to help determine methods for crossing defensive trenches with motorcycles during attacks on fortified military positions.

Bomb-making teams also reportedly consulted AI repeatedly while troubleshooting explosive designs whenever previous attempts failed.

Terrorists Reportedly Attempted to Bypass AI Safety Systems

The report claims safety restrictions built into AI platforms did not completely prevent misuse.

According to former members, trainers allegedly taught selected personnel how to disguise prohibited prompts as fictional research, movie scripts or academic requests to obtain more useful responses.

If one AI platform rejected a request or suspended an account, they reportedly switched to another chatbot or used different accounts.

No Evidence of Advanced Chemical or Nuclear Weapons Capability

While some interviewees reportedly discussed interest in chemical and biological weapons, the researchers said they found no evidence that Boko Haram currently possesses an operational chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons capability.

The report concludes that the group's confirmed AI-assisted activities remain focused on conventional insurgent operations.

Why This Report Matters

The Cambridge report highlights growing concerns about how publicly available artificial intelligence tools can potentially be exploited by violent extremist organizations.

It also raises broader questions about AI safety, platform security, international cooperation and how technology companies can reduce the risk of abuse while preserving legitimate access for millions of users worldwide.

As AI continues to evolve, governments, security agencies and technology companies face increasing pressure to strengthen safeguards against malicious use.

>>> What do you think? Should AI companies introduce stricter verification and security measures to prevent terrorists from abusing AI tools, or would tighter restrictions negatively affect legitimate users? Share your opinion in the comments below.