More Than 80% of ISIS Global Operations Now in West Africa

Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has warned that more than 80 percent of global operations linked to the extremist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria are now concentrated in West Africa and the Sahel region, describing the area as the new epicentre of global terrorism.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the organisation said its findings are based on a comparative analysis of global incident data, drawing from open source intelligence, regional security reports, and trend assessments of ISIS linked activities across multiple theatres, including the Middle East, Central Africa, and the Sahel.

PeacePro explained that the 80 percent estimate was derived from tracking the frequency, scale, and attribution of attacks linked to ISIS and its affiliates over recent months, using a methodology that aggregates reported incidents, compares regional distributions, and evaluates operational intensity, including underreported incidences.

PeacePro noted a sharp decline in operational activity in traditional strongholds such as Iraq and Syria, contrasted with a sustained surge in attacks across West Africa, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin and the broader Sahel corridor.

According to Hamzat, ISIS affiliated groups operating under regional franchises, especially in West Africa now account for the majority of recorded attacks, fatalities, territorial incursions, and coordinated operations linked to the global network. He added that this trend also explains the rapid rise of some Nigerian based fighters within ISIS linked command structures.

PeacePro stated that the scale, coordination, and persistence of attacks across Nigeria and neighbouring countries signal a dangerous expansion of extremist networks, underpinned by adaptive strategies, local recruitment, and possible external support systems.

The organisation warned that the concentration of such a significant share of ISIS linked operations in West Africa reflects a strategic shift in global terrorism dynamics, requiring an urgent recalibration of international counter terrorism priorities.

PeacePro therefore called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take the lead in mobilising a coordinated global response, urging the country to rally international partners, strengthen intelligence sharing frameworks, and drive a unified offensive against ISIS affiliated groups operating within the region.

The group emphasised that Nigeria, as a frontline state, is uniquely positioned to galvanise regional and global action, including strengthening multilateral security cooperation, deploying advanced counter terrorism technologies, and disrupting transnational financing and logistical networks.

PeacePro warned that failure to act decisively could allow terrorist groups to further entrench their presence, expand territorial control, and project instability beyond West Africa, with far reaching implications for global security.

While advocating a robust response, the organisation stressed that all counter terrorism measures must remain intelligence-driven, evidence based, and consistent with international law and human rights standards.