Weapons looted from armies fuel jihadist gains in Sahel

Salafi jihadist groups in the Sahel are arming themselves with weapons captured from national militaries, intensifying regional instability, according to Africa Defense Forum, part of U.S. Africa Command. A new report by Conflict Armament Research (CAR) found no evidence that groups like Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are sourcing arms from outside the Sahel. Instead, their arsenals are built from looted stockpiles and local black markets.

In a March attack in Wulgo, Nigeria, ISWAP used explosive-laden drones to kill 12 Cameroonian soldiers and showcased seized machine guns and ammunition. CAR’s analysis shows these groups rely heavily on assault rifles and military-grade munitions originally issued to Sahelian armies.

Some weapons trace back to conflicts decades ago, but more than half of seized ammunition was manufactured in the past ten years and likely diverted from local forces. The findings point to a self-reinforcing cycle: battlefield victories yield arms, fueling further gains.