The resurgence of Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a faction of Boko Haram, poses a significant threat to regional security in the Lake Chad Basin. After being weakened by clashes with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), JAS is regrouping and expanding its operations. The group’s revival is attributed to the focus of security forces on ISWAP, allowing JAS to bolster itself and launch attacks on military positions.

In recent months, JAS has carried out several attacks, including the targeting of a naval base in Baga, Nigeria, and a military post in Goldavi, Cameroon. The group has also been responsible for massacres of civilians, with over 100 residents killed in Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi villages in Borno, Nigeria, and more than 60 people killed in Dar Jamal, Borno. These attacks demonstrate the group’s ability to adapt and evolve, adopting tactics similar to those of ISWAP.

JAS’ Ghazwah wing, led by Alhaji Kale, is notorious for its robbery and ransom operations, including attacks on displacement camps. The group’s loose command structure allows units to engage in criminal activities, financing themselves independently. This has led to a rise in kidnappings and robberies across the region, with JAS using crime as a recruitment tool.

The failure of reintegration programs to provide former insurgents with adequate support has also contributed to JAS’ resurgence. Former combatants are rejoining the group due to the lack of meaningful future prospects, with ISWAP executing deserters. The role of Lake Chad-based leader Bakura Doro in supplying weapons to JAS wings and coordinating group activities has been key to the group’s revival.

To counter the JAS threat, regional security forces must rebalance their strategies to treat the group as an independent and adaptive threat. This requires disrupting JAS’ logistical operations, monitoring its networks, and strengthening amphibious capabilities to counter the group in lake areas. Governments must also strengthen disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs to discourage deserters from rejoining JAS.

The resurgence of JAS has significant implications for regional security and humanitarian efforts. The escalation of kidnappings and attacks on humanitarian organizations could roll back gains in resettling displaced persons and providing access to aid workers and relief materials. Urgent policy adjustments are needed to address the JAS threat and prevent further destabilization of the region.