Our fifteen most-read analysis pieces this year examined the ideologies and tactics of jihadi extremism, what satellite images can teach us about the Boko Haram insurgency and environmental disasters, sexual violence, electoral violence, gun violence, intelligence gathering, and other crucial topics.

ISWAP Rebrands, Expands Scope Of Operations

Starting up as a faction of a local Jihadi group, ISWAP has dominated the terror sphere in Africa, holding territories larger than those of its parent group and governing over millions of people across several West African countries and the Sahel.

The Rise And Fall Of Boko Haram’s Sambisa Settlements As Seen Through Satellite Images

Satellite photos give a glance into the emergence, growth, and disappearance of settlements around Sambisa forest, a notorious safe haven for insurgents waging a brutal war against Nigeria.

Disappearing Wetlands Making Lagos More Vulnerable To Flood—A Geospatial Analysis

Lagos needs to rethink its approach towards mitigating the impact of environmental disasters such as flooding and sea-level rise. This will require protecting wetlands from further depletion and restoring lost areas.

Sexual Violence Against Borno IDPs Could Be Worse In Resettled Communities

The lack of livelihood opportunities for women and girls at IDP camps is one of the primary triggers of sexual abuse. As the displaced now return to their local government areas, where they still have to contend with access to means of survival, it is feared that the vulnerable groups may be heading for worse situations.

Nigeria’s Deadly History Of Electoral Violence In Five Charts

Ever since it gained independence, Nigeria’s electoral processes have been rattled by all forms of violence. The patterns remain strong as the country prepares to hold another round of elections next year.

Media Jihad: Social Media Use Shows Islamic State’s Increasing Interest In Africa

Jihadists are deepening their use of social media, increasing the number of languages they communicate in, going as far as using emojis as code to mask online communication and evade clampdown by social media platforms, as they turn their campaign increasingly toward Africa, a report by extremism analysts has found.

Hijra And Jihad: What Islamic State’s Call For Migration Means For Terrorism In Africa

ISIS has intensified its operations and plans to expand in Africa after the loss of territory in Iraq and Syria. The group, through a series of propaganda messages, is encouraging supporters to relocate to the continent.

What We Know About Nigeria Separatist Group’s Weapons Stockpile

The range of weapons used by IPOB militants appears to consist mainly of firearms from transnational origins, local fabricators, and those stolen from security forces. The group is also considerably skilled in manufacturing explosive devices.

Nigeria’s Frosty Interest In Private Military Contractors

Debates on bringing in foreign private security contractors often incite wild reactions, including from the military brass. However, such contractors are helping to fill capacity gaps.

How A Series Of Blunders Paved The Way For Boko Haram Insurgency

The government’s inability to forecast and prevent the radical movement’s growth contributed to the insurgency that has now plagued Nigeria and neighbouring Lake Chad basin countries for over a decade.

Terrorism For Children: The Corrosive Doctrine Jihadists Pass To Next Generation

One of the books designed by the Islamic State for children is similar to the “trace and colour” ABC for pupils text, but then also contains mentions of weapons such as armoured tanks and missiles.

Chinese Expats In Nigeria Facing Increased Security Risks. What’s The Big Picture?

In the past decade, close to 50 Chinese nationals in Nigeria have either been killed or kidnapped. Considering China is one of Africa’s biggest investors, does Nigeria stand to lose if this trend continues?

Reinvention Of Nigeria’s Intelligence Community Essential For Security

The reform of Nigeria’s intelligence community could improve public confidence, harmonise intelligence operations, and enhance the security apparatus’s ability to detect, isolate, and degrade threats to public safety.

How Improper Waste Management Contributes To Climate Change Crisis In Nigeria

Harmful greenhouse gases are created from decomposing waste and these rise up to the atmosphere to trap heat, causing extreme weather reactions in the form of storms and typhoons.

The ISWAP Doctrines Making IDP Resettlement Possible In Borno

A combination of the terror group’s recent territorial stretch and relatively reduced hostility to civilians lessens life-threatening risks to resettled IDPs. But insights from other Islamic State affiliates suggest this may not last long.