Top 5 Terrorist Groups in Nigeria and Their Affiliations with ISIS

Nigeria, a country that has struggled with various forms of insecurity over the past decades, continues to grapple with the menace of terrorism, often with groups that affiliate themselves with global terrorist organizations like ISIS.

This article delves into the top five terrorist organizations operating in Nigeria, their affiliations with ISIS, and the key leaders who drive these violent movements.

1. Boko Haram

Boko Haram is the most notorious and influential terrorist group in Nigeria. Founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf, the group has wreaked havoc in Nigeria’s northeast, spreading terror through bombings, kidnappings, and insurgency.

ISIS Affiliation:
In 2015, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS, rebranding itself as “ISIS West Africa Province” (ISWAP). This affiliation helped Boko Haram gain global notoriety and provided the group with logistical and financial support from ISIS, further fueling its insurgency.

Leader:
The group was originally led by Mohammed Yusuf until his death in 2009. Afterward, Abubakar Shekau took over as the leader, continuing the group’s brutal campaign.

Shekau died in 2021 during a confrontation with a rival faction within Boko Haram, but the group’s operations continue under new leadership.

2. Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)

ISWAP, which emerged from a split in Boko Haram in 2016, has become one of the most deadly and active terrorist groups in the region. The group primarily operates in the Lake Chad Basin, conducting ambushes, kidnappings, and attacks on military personnel and civilians.

ISIS Affiliation:
As its name suggests, ISWAP is directly affiliated with ISIS, receiving financial and tactical support.

The group follows ISIS’s ideological goals and has been aligned with the global jihadist movement, which increases its capacity to carry out attacks and recruit fighters.

Leader:
The group is currently led by Abu Musab al-Barnawi, the son of Boko Haram’s founder Mohammed Yusuf.

Al-Barnawi’s leadership has seen ISWAP adopt more strategic and calculated tactics compared to Boko Haram, often focusing on military targets rather than civilians.

3. Fulani Militias (Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association)

While not traditionally categorized with the jihadist groups, Fulani militias, largely composed of ethnic Fulani herders, have engaged in violent clashes across Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

These clashes have escalated in recent years, with reports suggesting increasing ties to terrorist activities.

ISIS Affiliation:
Though the Fulani militias are not directly affiliated with ISIS, their violence and methods of operation have drawn some comparisons to global jihadist tactics.

There are concerns about the growing radicalization of certain factions within the Fulani groups, especially with reports of ISIS recruitment activities among Fulani herders.

Leaders:
The leaders of the Fulani militias are typically local warlords, with no singular national leader, but their actions have been described as organized and coordinated, especially when they target both local farmers and government forces.

4. Ansaru (The Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa)

Ansaru, a splinter group of Boko Haram, emerged in 2012 and has since been known for its sophisticated and highly strategic attacks.

Though its primary focus has been on kidnappings for ransom and assaults on foreign nationals, Ansaru has also engaged in direct combat against Nigerian security forces.

ISIS Affiliation:
Ansaru has maintained ties with ISIS and has been seen as one of the most disciplined and focused offshoots of the global terror network.

While not as publicly recognized as Boko Haram or ISWAP, its operational capacity and ties to ISIS indicate the group’s global ambitions.

Leader:
Ansaru has had several shifting leadership roles, but it is currently led by Abu Uthman al-Ansari. His leadership has strengthened the group’s ties to ISIS, and Ansaru is considered to be more ideological and strategic in its operations compared to Boko Haram.

5. The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN)

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) is a Shiite militant group that has faced severe persecution by the Nigerian government.

The group advocates for the establishment of an Islamic state, using both peaceful protests and violent tactics to achieve its aims. It is primarily active in the northern region of Nigeria.

ISIS Affiliation:
While not directly affiliated with ISIS, some factions within IMN have shown support for radical Sunni jihadist groups.

There have been reports of ISIS sympathizers operating within IMN, leading to concerns about potential links between IMN and global jihadist groups like ISIS.

Leader:
IMN is led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, who remains a central figure in the group’s leadership. Although Zakzaky’s ideology is primarily focused on Shiite Muslim grievances in Nigeria, there have been reports of external influences, including radical Sunni groups, attempting to sway his followers.