How Boko Haram uses AI to build bombs —Report reveals
Boko Haram Utilizes AI in Explosive Device Development, Report Finds
A recent report has indicated that the militant group Boko Haram is increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance its capabilities in manufacturing explosive devices within Nigeria.
The findings, detailed in a report by The New York Times published on Friday, reveal that the group is using AI-powered chatbots to gather intelligence on military strategies, weapon maintenance, and explosive creation methods. This adoption of technology has raised alarms among security experts regarding the potential risks posed by the misuse of rapidly evolving technological advancements by violent extremist organizations.
The report references research conducted by Antonia Juelich, a terrorism and technology expert at the University of Cambridge. The study is based on interviews with former Boko Haram members and commanders conducted over the past year in Nigeria.
According to the report, some insurgents have disclosed that they rely on AI tools to address practical challenges encountered during military operations. One former commander recounted an incident in which an attack on a military base was thwarted when fighters were unable to navigate a defensive trench surrounding the installation.
Reflecting on the group’s use of technology, the commander stated, “We used AI to learn how to do this. We provided it with information, such as the types of motorcycles we use and the distance we need to jump, and it provided us with steps on what we had to do.”
The report suggests that the application of AI tools extends beyond operational tactics, indicating a broader trend in the integration of advanced technology within extremist activities.
