Retired Nigerian Air Force officer, Group Captain Sodiq Shehu, has highlighted the growing collaboration among terrorist groups across Africa, warning that such alliances have significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of insurgent organizations in the region.
Shehu made the remarks during an interview from 6:40 on Channels Television, on Thursday, 4 June, 2026, while discussing security challenges in Nigeria and across the African continent. He noted that terrorist groups do not operate in isolation but often exchange knowledge, tactics, and resources, making them more difficult for governments and security agencies to combat.
Drawing attention to the evolution of Boko Haram’s operations, the retired military officer said the group benefited from technical support and training provided by other extremist organizations. According to him, one of the most significant developments was the acquisition of expertise in the production and deployment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have become a major weapon in insurgent attacks.
“When Boko Haram started, they didn’t have the access to manufacture IEDs. It was ISWAP and ISIS that came and taught them that,” Shehu said.
He explained that the sharing of skills among terrorist organizations demonstrates the extent of cooperation that exists within extremist networks. Such relationships, he argued, have enabled groups operating in different regions to strengthen their capabilities and sustain their campaigns despite ongoing military operations against them.
Security experts have long warned that the spread of knowledge and resources among insurgent groups poses a serious threat to regional stability. The use of IEDs, in particular, has contributed to numerous casualties among both civilians and security personnel in conflict-affected areas….Read_More…