The Islamic State West Africa Province killed at least 15,111 people in 1,480 attacks across the country.
The attacks, which displaced 3.2 million, took place between July 2009 and August 2022, according to the Agora Policy report, titled, ‘Understanding and tackling insecurity in Nigeria.’
The report said, “According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, between July 2009 and August 2022, BH/ISWAP carried out 1,480 attacks, resulting in the estimated deaths of 15,111 people and the displacement of over 3.2 million Nigerians (UNHCR Africa).
At the peak of their activities, BH/ISWAP controlled 26 local government areas in three states in the Northeast: fourteen, seven, and five local government areas in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, respectively.
“They later extended their activities to parts of Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Niger, and Sokoto states as well as the FCT where they attacked government installations, worship centres, recreation areas, motor parks and other densely populated areas. “
The mission of BH/ISWAP was to topple the current system and establish their own territories governed according to their strict interpretation of Islamic laws, the report said.
The report warns that “ the rapid spread of ISWAP cells, if untamed, could give the Islamic State an opportunity to turn Nigeria into the new Syria.”
