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Boko Haram fighters used ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok for weapons, attacks - Cambridge study

Researchers said 27 former fighters described using chatbots for bomb-making, drone adaptation and attack planning, despite bans on weapons-related use.

  • Boko Haram fighters are using artificial intelligence chatbots from major technology companies to build bombs, plan attacks, and solve combat problems, according to a University of Cambridge study.
  • Operatives traveled to ISWAP-controlled territory to train commanders on querying chatbots and bypassing safeguards, with specialized 23-member units operating from solar-powered rooms to provide 24-hour technical expertise.
  • Roughly 10 of 27 interviewed fighters discussed using ChatGPT and Grok to recover explosive material from military ordnance and adapt drones, while uploading battlefield imagery for analysis to improve future operations.
  • Separately, researchers at Tech Against Terrorism found supporters sharing instructions on bypassing AI safety controls, with expert Lucas Webber warning of increasing attempts to "jailbreak" systems for weapons information.
  • Although the Cambridge study focused on 2023 and 2024, researcher Antonia Juelich warned that rapid AI advancements since then raise significant concerns about how armed groups might use the technology today.
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AI seems to have now entered the “arsenal” of terrorist organizations. Research by the University of Cambridge reveals that former Boko Haram jihadists described using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Meta AI and the Chinese DeepSeek for technical and operational advice before, during and after terrorist attacks. The researchers conducted 57 interviews with 27 former members of the two main Boko Haram organizations in Nigeria, ISWAP and JAS.

Islamic State supporters are reportedly sharing methods to defeat AI security mechanisms

Testimonies from former Boko Haram members and Al Jazeera evidence reveal that jihadists are using AI applications such as Grok to build explosive devices, plan attacks and troubleshoot problems on the battlefield. The Cambridge University research highlights concerns about the systems’ personalized responses and attempts to bypass corporate security controls.

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MSNBCTV NEWS broke the news on Friday, September 18, 2026.
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