AI at War: Boko Haram and ISWAP Used ChatGPT to Build Bombs and Plan Attacks

A recent investigation reveals Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters turned to AI chatbots to refine bomb-making and attack tactics. Former insurgents described how platforms like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini provided step-by-step guides for modifying motorcycles and improving explosive devices. After a failed assault on a military base, commanders asked AI how to boost a bike’s speed and clear defensive trenches. The advice enabled mechanics to upgrade motorcycles for training drills. In another case, fighters used AI to alter chemical recipes, producing more powerful explosives. OpenAI, Google and Anthropic say their models reject harmful requests. Insurgents, however, claim they bypassed safety filters by framing queries as academic or legitimate projects. These findings underscore the real-world risks of emerging AI technology in conflict zones.

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