Abuja, Nigeria — The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has significantly escalated its insurgency campaign in northeastern Nigeria, launching at least 45 verified attacks on military bases and checkpoints throughout May 2025, according to security sources and field reports.

These attacks mainly concentrated in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States mark one of the most intense months of militant activity in recent years. Analysts warn that ISWAP’s growing tactical sophistication and access to high-tech weaponry represent a new phase in Nigeria’s long-running battle against terrorism.

A Tactical Evolution: Drones and Night-Vision Tech

Security analysts have confirmed that ISWAP is now employing retrofitted drones for surveillance and targeted strikes, along with night-vision goggles, making their nighttime raids more effective and difficult to counter. This represents a dangerous evolution in their operations, moving beyond hit-and-run tactics to more organized, intelligence-driven offensives.

“The group is mimicking some of the modern warfare techniques used by state militaries,” said Dr. Kabiru Adamu, a Nigerian security consultant. “They are more mobile, better equipped, and increasingly capable of executing complex attacks.”

According to a report by the Nigerian Army, one of the most severe incidents occurred near Monguno in Borno State, where insurgents used drones to locate troop positions before launching a coordinated ground assault that left 13 soldiers dead and several wounded.

Military Response and Challenges

The Nigerian military, under Operation Hadin Kai, has responded with increased airstrikes and ground offensives, yet troops remain stretched thin across multiple fronts. The military has acknowledged losses but insists that operations are ongoing to reclaim control of vulnerable regions.

“We are taking all necessary measures to neutralize these threats,” said Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations. “The safety of civilians and the restoration of peace remains our top priority.”

Still, local reports suggest that many communities in Borno and Yobe are becoming increasingly isolated, as roads and outposts fall under sporadic militant control.

The Geopolitical Context

ISWAP emerged as a splinter group from Boko Haram in 2016 and has since aligned more closely with the global Islamic State (ISIS) network. Unlike Boko Haram’s indiscriminate targeting of civilians, ISWAP tends to focus on military assets and government infrastructure though civilians often suffer collateral damage or are forcibly recruited.

The group’s activities now extend into Lake Chad Basin countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, complicating regional security coordination. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)—which includes Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon has stepped up joint operations, but logistical and intelligence gaps persist.

Humanitarian Fallout

The surge in violence is worsening the humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reports that over 2 million people remain displaced in Borno State alone, with thousands more fleeing newly affected areas.

“Humanitarian access is shrinking just as the need is growing,” said Matthias Schmale, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. “We need immediate funding and security guarantees to reach at-risk populations.”

Many IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) in camps across Maiduguri and Damaturu lack basic supplies and live in fear of renewed attacks.

What Comes Next?

Experts are urging the Nigerian government to prioritize intelligence gathering, regional cooperation, and community-based counterterrorism strategies. There’s also an urgent need for technological upgrades for the military, particularly in surveillance and night-time defense.

Meanwhile, civilians in the northeast continue to bear the brunt of a crisis now entering its second decade.

“The people are tired,” said Hauwa Ibrahim, a teacher from Damboa. “We just want to live in peace without hearing gunshots at night or wondering if our children will be kidnapped.”

Stay Informed

As Nigeria’s security landscape grows increasingly complex, sustained attention, coordinated defense, and global support are essential to ending the threat posed by ISWAP and restoring lasting peace to the northeast.

For updates on security, governance, and development across Nigeria, visit Xamblog.com.

Last Updated on June 3, 2025 by kingstar