Beware of ISWAP’s Propaganda, a Threat Beyond the Battlefield
By Zagazola Makama
In the relentless struggle against terrorism in Nigeria, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has demonstrated a disturbing capability not only for violence but also for psychological manipulation.
A recent incident in Pulka, Borno State, where ISWAP distributed a propaganda letter targeting the local population, exemplifies the underhanded nature of this threat. While this group masquerades as a protector of the innocent, its true aim remains the destabilization of the region and the imposition of an extremist regime.
A translated excerpt from the letter reads:
“On behalf of the leadership of JAS, we call on all the good people of Pulka to desist from aiding military operations. We shall not harm any innocent person except those providing intelligence to the military. Our fight is solely against the Nigerian military and the unjust government, not the civilians.”
It is imperative that communities understand and actively reject ISWAP’s propaganda, which poses grave risks to individual safety and the collective security of the region. The letter circulated in Pulka was strategically designed to manipulate the sentiments of the inhabitants. It warned locals against supporting military efforts while offering safety to those who complied with ISWAP's demands.
By depicting itself as a protector and casting the Nigerian government as unjust, ISWAP aims to foster suspicion and create a schism between the residents and security forces. Remember ISWAP cannot be trusted. They recently eliminated more than 50 farmers in Baga after the people trusted them and pay them levies to farm within their areas of control.
This tactic is not novel; extremist organizations have long used propaganda to further their agendas without direct violence. Through the dissemination of fear, falsehoods, and hollow promises of safety, ISWAP seeks to undermine community-government ties while reinforcing its own grip on the population. ISWAP deploys messages aimed at inducing doubt regarding military intentions. When communities begin to distrust security forces, they become isolated, vulnerable, and easier prey for terrorists, drastically hindering the military’s ability to protect civilians and gather crucial intelligence.
Through threats against potential informants, ISWAP instills fear, dissuading residents from reporting suspicious activities. This intimidation bolsters the group’s power, enabling them to entrench their presence in already vulnerable areas. ISWAP takes advantage of the socio-economic struggles faced by communities ravaged by prolonged insurgency. By manipulating these hardships, the group offers empty promises of safety and stability while perpetuating cycles of violence and poverty.
ISWAP’s propaganda operates as a psychological weapon aimed at division and fear, seeking to weaken communities and obstruct military operations. Nonetheless, through awareness, unity, and a steadfast trust in legitimate authorities, communities can effectively counter this psychological warfare.
The residents of Pulka and other at-risk areas must collectively reject ISWAP’s deceitful narratives and recognize the group’s true intentions. Together, communities and governmental entities can strive for enduring peace and security, denying terrorists the foothold they desperately seek.
The mere act of disseminating such propaganda cultivates an environment of fear and uncertainty. This psychological burden disrupts daily life, undermines community resilience, and facilitates ISWAP’s infiltration and dominance within local populations.
Awareness is the strongest defense against propaganda. Communities must remain alert, discerning the manipulative tactics of ISWAP. Understanding the group's true objectives empowers individuals to resist their influence.
Cohesive communities isolate ISWAP’s efforts. By promoting unity and mutual support, residents can establish a robust network that is challenging for ISWAP to infiltrate. Collaboration with military personnel is essential, despite the inherent risks. Security agencies rely on local intelligence to track and combat threats effectively. When communities steadfastly oppose terrorism, they emerge as key stakeholders in the resolution process.
