29/12/2025
ISIS IS MENTIONED IN NIGERI'S [insurgenc, mainly through its African affiliate groups and propaganda network. NOT because fighters come directly from the Middle East to run Nigeria’s war]
BY: CAPTAIN FDF ELAIGWU-ENEN'CHE TYGER
(1) ISIS does not operate in Nigeria directly
There is no official ISIS headquarters or army deployed from Iraq or Syria to Nigeria.
Instead, ISIS works through local affiliate groups that pledge loyalty to it (called wilayat).
THINK OF ISIS AS A BRAND + support network, not a single army everywhere.
(2). ISWAP: ISIS’s main link to Nigeria
ISWAP = Islamic State West Africa Province
IN 2015, Boko HARAM SPLIT INTO TWO FACTIONS:
(1). JAS FACTION (Shekau’s group – extremely brutal)
(2.) ISWAP, which pledged allegiance to ISIS
ISIS recognized ISWAP officially as its West African branch.
WHAT ISIS PROVIDES TO ISWAP:
INTERNATIONAL PROPAGANDA (Amaq News Agency)
🧠 STRATEGIC ADVICE (especially on governance & military tactics)
🌍 GLOBAL LEGITIMACY AMONG JIHADIST NETWORKS
💰 LIMITED FUNDING/LOGISTICS (not massive, but helpful)
ISWAP OPERATES MAINLY IN:
Borno
Lake Chad region
Parts of Yobe & Adamawa
(3). How ISIS is “mentioned” during attacks
WHEN ATTACKS HAPPEN, ISIS IS MENTIONED IN THESE WAYS:
(A). CLAIM'S OF RESPONSIBILITY
ISIS media outlets claim attacks carried out by ISWAP
Example:
> “Islamic State fighters attacked Nigerian soldiers in Borno…”
Even if the fighters are Nigerians, the attack is branded as ISIS.
( B). USE OF ISIS SYMBOLS & IDEOLOGY
Black flags
ISIS-style videos
Religious justifications aligned with ISIS ideology
This helps the group:
Recruit fighters
Intimidate civilians
Gain international attention
4. ISIS-linked groups outside the Northeast (Northwest & Sokoto)
Recently, ISIS has been mentioned in Northwest Nigeria, including Sokoto, because of:
ISGS (Islamic State in the Greater Sahara)
Active in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso
Some fighters move across borders
Nigerian authorities suspect links between ISGS and groups like “Lakurawa”
IMPORTANT DISTINCTION:
Many attacks in Sokoto are still banditry
But some bandit groups adopt ISIS ideology or cooperate with Sahel jihadists
So ISIS is mentioned when:
Fighters impose strict religious rules
Foreign militants are involved
Attacks resemble jihadist tactics, not just robbery
5. Why governments mention ISIS
Nigeria and international partners mention ISIS because:
1. 🌍 Global security concern
ISIS-linked groups attract foreign fighters and funding.
2. ✈️ International cooperation
Helps justify intelligence sharing, air surveillance, and foreign assistance.
3. 🚨 Early warning
Signals danger of banditry turning into full jihadist insurgency.
6. Key difference: Boko Haram vs ISIS-linked groups
Boko Haram (early years) ISWAP / ISIS-linked
Very brutal to civilians Tries to win local support
Attacked mosques & villages Targets military & govt
Poor structure Better organized
Isolated Connected globally
7. Simple summary
✔ ISIS is mentioned in Nigeria through ISWAP and Sahel-linked militants
✔ Nigerian fighters pledge loyalty to ISIS for support and recognition
✔ ISIS provides branding, propaganda, and strategy, not direct control
✔ In places like Sokoto, ISIS links are emerging but not dominant
✔ Most violence there is still banditry with some radical influence.
/truthordare
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