How Boko Haram uses AI to build bombs — Report reveals

A new report has revealed how Boko Haram is increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence tools to build explosive devices to terrorise Nigerian society.

According to a report published by The New York Times on Friday, findings suggest that terrorists are using AI-powered chatbots to obtain information on military tactics, weapons maintenance and explosives.

This has heightened concerns among security experts about the potential misuse of rapidly advancing technology by violent extremist groups.

The report cited a study conducted by Antonia Juelich, a terrorism and technology researcher at the University of Cambridge.

The study was based on interviews with former Boko Haram members and commanders carried out over the past year in Nigeria.

The report disclosed that some insurgents said they relied on AI tools to solve practical problems encountered during attacks.

According to the report, one former Boko Haram commander recounted how an operation against a military base was disrupted after fighters were unable to cross a defensive trench constructed around the facility.

“We used AI to learn how to do this. We gave it information, like what motorcycles we use and the distance we need to jump and so on, and it gave us steps on what we have to do,” the former commander said.

The report showed that AI tools were used for purposes beyond battlefield mobility.