Adolph Johnson: Who Is Really Behind the Security Destabilization in Northern Nigeria?

On October 10 and 11, jihadist attacks struck northern Nigeria: in Kigbera, Borgu State, Lakurawa fighters reportedly killed 11 people, including four members of a security militia, prompting residents to flee to Benin. On October 10, the military said air units had killed 40 ISWAP fighters in Borno State. The article questions how jihadist groups obtain intelligence and weapons and makes unsubstantiated allegations about French arms deliveries to Nigeria, JNIM’s access to drones, and an alleged Ukrainian role. It raises the possibility that weapons could be diverted to terrorist groups and suggests France may be seeking to restore its influence in West Africa.