New data reveals over 80 confirmed drone strikes since 2023 as insurgents adopt “First-Person View” technology for targeted bombings.
West Africa is witnessing a rapid evolution in insurgent tactics, with al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates increasingly relying on unmanned aerial systems. The al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has emerged as the region’s most prolific user of this technology, conducting nearly 70 strikes across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo.
Analysts at Military Africa report that JNIM has escalated its capabilities by deploying First-Person View (FPV) drones. These high-speed, agile devices, similar to those used extensively in the Ukraine conflict, allow pilots to guide improvised explosive devices (IEDs) made from plastic bottles directly onto military targets with live video feedback.
Recent Attacks
The threat is not limited to military outposts. On January 29, the Islamic State of Sahel Province (ISSP) launched an assault on the international airport in Niamey, Niger. While initial reports varied, evidence suggests the use of explosive-laden drones in what would be a first for the group in that territory. The attack resulted in the deaths of 20 assailants and injuries to four military personnel.
While the primary targets remain government forces and allied militias, civilians have also been caught in the crossfire. ACLED analysts noted that JNIM strikes have hit markets in communities deemed supportive of the state. Conversely, ISWAP has largely focused on military targets, with one recorded instance of civilian casualties occurring in northern Cameroon in June 2025.
JNIM’s drone programme has developed rapidly and spread across interconnected networks in Mali and Burkina.
SOURCES: Military Africa, ACLED, Institute for Security Studies (ISS).
This report has been significantly transformed from original source material for journalistic purposes, falling under ‘Fair Use’ doctrine for news reporting. The content is reconstructed to provide original analysis and reporting while preserving the factual essence of the source.
