On 5 May 2024, Islamic State West Africa (ISWA/Wilayat Wasat Afriqiyah) released a photoset depicting education, food distribution and governance activities in the West Africa Province.
Although the exact location of this photoset remains undisclosed, the images were captured somewhere in northwestern Nigeria, where the Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) exerts significant influence. However, it’s crucial to recognize that ISWA’s operations extend beyond Nigeria’s borders, as evidenced by their increasingly frequent cross-border attacks into neighbouring Niger, Cameroon, and Chad.
This marks the second recent release of a photoset from Africa depicting the efforts of Islamic State franchises in ‘State building.’ Only last week, Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M/Shabaab Cult/Wilyat Muzinbik) released a very similar photoset.
These images provide valuable insights into the on-the-ground situation, suggesting that ISWA, akin to Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M/Shabaab Cults), is adapting its strategy in certain areas, transitioning towards a more governance-oriented approach rather than solely focusing on aggression.
The apparent confidence displayed by ISWA in leading classes and prayers during daylight hours, along with their provision of essential commodities to villagers, serves as potent propaganda material that could sway local populations into supporting them.
Similar to the photoset out of Mozambique, the presence of numerous children, often referred to as “IS Cubs,” in the photoset is of particular concern. The deliberate indoctrination of children ensures the perpetuation of ISWA’s ideology across future generations, solidifying their control over the hearts and minds of those living in Islamic State territory.
Moreover, the distribution of food by ISWA fighters fosters a sense of trust and dependency among the population, especially in regions where government efforts to alleviate poverty and provide basic necessities have been inadequate, such as in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad.
It is important to note that several individuals are seen wearing vests inscribed with the words ‘West African Governors Hisba.’ Hisba forces during the height of the Caliphate were used for everything from ensuring that men's beards and pant length adhered to Islamic law to ensuring that items sold were within their expiration date.
In this particular photoset, the West African Hisba was also checking expiration dates and burning the out-of-date product. This observation further supports assertion that the IS African Franchises are moving toward the establishment of a new Caliphate 2.0. It is unclear that burning usable items, even if out of date, will win hearts and minds in hunger-stricken Borno.