Boko Haram & ISWAP in Nigeria: Live Conflict Map 2026

Conflict Location

Intelligence Summary

◆ By ConflictZone Intelligence Desk · AI-assisted, editorially reviewed · How we verify →

HIGH

Severity

Insurgency

Type

5

Headlines (48h)

682h

Last Updated

Current Status

According to Reuters and AFP reports from late 2024, the Nigerian military continues counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast, though both groups remain active and capable of conducting attacks.

Situation 2026

AP reports Nigerian military operations continue in Borno State, though security analysts note ISWAP and Boko Haram maintain territorial control in remote areas
Reuters indicates both insurgent groups conduct periodic attacks on military positions and civilian targets, disrupting humanitarian access
DW reports recurring abductions of civilians and aid workers attributed to the insurgent groups across the Northeast region
BBC sources indicate fragmentation within Boko Haram leadership has complicated military counter-operations and created localized power vacuums
AFP reports cross-border movements of militants between Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon complicate regional security responses

Background

Boko Haram launched an insurgency in 2009 in Northern Nigeria, evolving into one of Africa's deadliest conflicts. ISWAP split from Boko Haram around 2016 and has competed for territory and influence across Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. The conflict has caused an estimated 100,000+ deaths and displaced millions, according to international monitoring organizations.

Humanitarian Impact

UN OCHA reports approximately 2.4 million internally displaced persons across Nigeria's Northeast, with ongoing protection concerns and limited humanitarian access
ICRC and NGO partners report severe food insecurity affecting 5+ million people in conflict-affected areas, with malnutrition rates among children exceeding emergency thresholds per sources
Médecins Sans Frontières reports health infrastructure collapse in affected regions, with disease outbreaks compounded by displacement and insecurity

Outlook

Analysts quoted by Reuters and AP suggest the conflict is likely to persist at elevated levels given ISWAP-Boko Haram fragmentation, limited state capacity in remote areas, and transnational operational networks. Regional coordination among Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad remains constrained, per international observers.

Key Actors

Nigerian Armed ForcesBoko HaramIslamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)Civilian Joint Task Force (local militias)Government of NigeriaUN agencies and ICRC

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Conflict Timeline

2002-01-01

Boko Haram Founded

Mohammed Yusuf establishes Boko Haram in Maiduguri, Nigeria as an Islamic fundamentalist sect. The group initially focuses on religious preaching and establishing Islamic law in northern Nigeria.

2009-07-26

Maiduguri Uprising Begins

Boko Haram launches coordinated attacks across Maiduguri and other northern cities, marking the group's shift from preaching to armed insurgency. Mohammed Yusuf is killed in military custody during the crackdown.

2011-06-16

UN Headquarters Bombing

Boko Haram carries out a suicide bombing at the UN office in Abuja, killing 23 people and marking a major escalation in violent attacks. The group claims responsibility and signals intention to target government and international institutions.

2014-04-14

Chibok Girls Kidnapping

Boko Haram abducts 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno State, gaining international attention and highlighting the group's brutality. The incident becomes a defining moment in the conflict.

2015-03-28

Boko Haram Pledges ISIS Allegiance

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau pledges allegiance to ISIS, effectively creating ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province). The split eventually leads to factional infighting and expanded territorial claims.

2016-08-01

ISWAP Leadership Split

ISWAP breaks away from Boko Haram under Abu Musab al-Barnawi, creating a rival faction focused on establishing a caliphate. This fragmentation increases complexity of the conflict with two major insurgent groups.

2018-12-26

Dapchi School Attack

Boko Haram abducts over 110 students from a school in Yobe State, demonstrating the group's continued capacity for large-scale operations. Most students are later released but the attack highlights civilian vulnerability.

2021-01-15

Military Offensive Operations

Nigeria launches major military campaigns against both Boko Haram and ISWAP, achieving territorial gains in Borno and Yobe states. Operations continue to disrupt insurgent strongholds in the Lake Chad region.

2023-06-01

Ongoing Insurgency Status

Despite military efforts, both Boko Haram and ISWAP remain active with frequent attacks on military bases, civilians, and abductions continuing. The conflict remains largely unresolved with over 350,000 displaced persons in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a war in Nigeria right now?

Yes — the Nigeria–Boko Haram/ISWAP Conflict is an active conflict currently rated HIGH severity by ConflictZone. According to Reuters and AFP reports from late 2024, the Nigerian military continues counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast, though both groups remain active and capable of conducting attacks.

Who is fighting in Nigeria?

The main parties are Nigeria Military vs Boko Haram/ISWAP. According to Reuters and AFP reports from late 2024, the Nigerian military continues counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast, though both groups remain active and capable of conducting attacks.

Why did the Nigeria–Boko Haram/ISWAP Conflict start?

Boko Haram launched an insurgency in 2009 in Northern Nigeria, evolving into one of Africa's deadliest conflicts. ISWAP split from Boko Haram around 2016 and has competed for territory and influence across Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. The conflict has caused an estimated 100,000+ deaths and displaced millions, according to international monitoring organizations.

What is happening in Nigeria today?

• AP reports Nigerian military operations continue in Borno State, though security analysts note ISWAP and Boko Haram maintain territorial control in remote areas • Reuters indicates both insurgent groups conduct periodic attacks on military positions and civilian targets, disrupting humanitarian access • DW reports recurring abductions of civilians and aid workers attributed to the insurgent groups across the Northeast region • BBC sources indicate fragmentation within Boko Haram leadership has complicated military counter-operations and created localized power vacuums • AFP reports cross-border movements of militants between Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon complicate regional security responses

How many people have died in the Nigeria–Boko Haram/ISWAP Conflict?

• UN OCHA reports approximately 2.4 million internally displaced persons across Nigeria's Northeast, with ongoing protection concerns and limited humanitarian access • ICRC and NGO partners report severe food insecurity affecting 5+ million people in conflict-affected areas, with malnutrition rates among children exceeding emergency thresholds per sources • Médecins Sans Frontières reports health infrastructure collapse in affected regions, with disease outbreaks compounded by displacement and insecurity

Is Nigeria safe to visit in 2026?

ConflictZone rates the Nigeria–Boko Haram/ISWAP Conflict as HIGH severity. Conditions in an active conflict can change quickly — check your government's current travel advisory before travelling, and see the live map for the latest reported incident locations.

What happens next in the Nigeria–Boko Haram/ISWAP Conflict?

Analysts quoted by Reuters and AP suggest the conflict is likely to persist at elevated levels given ISWAP-Boko Haram fragmentation, limited state capacity in remote areas, and transnational operational networks. Regional coordination among Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad remains constrained, per international observers.

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