Terrorists belonging to the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have organized da‘wāt, or Islamic evangelism efforts, in several villages in Borno State, according to reports, Da‘wāt involves inviting people to embrace Islam.
Images released by ISWAP show members of the sect publicly interacting with residents around Lake Chad, on Sunday.
These activities appear to be part of the group’s effort to counter Nigerian military claims that they are retreating and losing territory previously controlled by them.
During these da‘wāt programs, ISWAP insurgents urged villagers to join their cause and support their aim of establishing an Islamic caliphate.
They promised better governance, enhanced security, and basic amenities under their rule. As part of their recruitment drive, the group also distributed welfare packages to many households. These packages included rice, beans, millet, maize, sugar, spaghetti, and cash gifts.
A 2019 report by the International Crisis Group, a non-profit think tank, highlighted that ISWAP’s recruitment methods have been effective.
Despite breaking away from the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram faction in 2016, ISWAP’s numbers have grown.
The group has recruited significantly among lacustrine communities, particularly the ethnic Buduma, many of whom are fishermen.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has made similar observations. ISS senior researcher Remadji Hoinathy emphasized in May 2019 that understanding ISWAP’s recruitment patterns and mechanisms is crucial.
He noted that the group’s ability to recruit is a significant factor in its expansion, often exploiting governance gaps by demonstrating that they can provide essential services in areas under their control.
