Between 2015 and 2025, African governments, regional coalitions, and international partners launched thousands of military, paramilitary, and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist cells operating across the continent. These operations varied from drone strikes and jungle raids to hostage rescues and covert arrests, reflecting both the diversity of Africa’s security landscape and the adaptability of extremist groups.
This report synthesizes a decade’s worth of counter-terrorism activity, mapping operational hotspots, highlighting successful missions, and exposing strategic and tactical gaps that persist. It also visualizes the evolution of African-led counter-terror capabilities and their integration with global intelligence and surveillance platforms.
“This map isn’t just about operations — it tells the story of a continent fighting back. From the Sahel to the Horn, Africa’s security forces are striking deeper into the heart of terror cells with precision and resilience.”
— Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director, Africa Centre for Counter Terrorism
Key Takeaways:
- Over 3,900 targeted operations were conducted against known or suspected terrorist cells.
- Multi-domain engagements included airstrikes, special forces raids, and intelligence-driven arrests.
- Successes include the neutralization of Droukdel (AQIM), Shekau (Boko Haram), and Khalid al-Barnawi (Ansaru).
- Civilian harm and allegations of rights violations remain persistent challenges.
- Regional coordination is improving but still undermined by political and logistical frictions.
Terror Cell Presence (2015–2025)
Africa’s terrorist ecosystem during this period was shaped by well-entrenched and emerging actors:
- Boko Haram & ISWAP in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin
- Al-Shabaab in Somalia and Kenya
- Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in DRC and Uganda
- ISIS-Mozambique (Ahlu-Sunnah Wal Jama’ah) in Cabo Delgado
- AQIM & ISGS across the Sahel belt (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger)
Geographic Features:
- Urban Cells: Discovered in Nairobi, Abuja, Cairo, Tunis, Mogadishu
- Rural Camps: Deep forest encampments in Sambisa (Nigeria), Tri-border Sahel, and Virunga (DRC)
- Mobile Cells: ISGS motorcycle brigades and ADF forest-hopping units
- Border Zones: Used for escape, recruitment, and cross-border strikes
III. African Security Forces in Focus
This decade saw African national and regional units evolving in both capacity and coordination:
- Nigeria: Operation Lafiya Dole → Operation Hadin Kai (Boko Haram/ISWAP)
- Kenya: Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU); border raids on Al-Shabaab cells
- Egypt: Comprehensive Sinai campaign against ISIS-Sinai
- MNJTF: Lake Chad Basin joint patrols by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon
- SADC & Rwanda: Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado stabilization mission
- G5 Sahel Force: Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania, Chad coalition
International Support:
- France (Operation Barkhane): Air and ground support in Sahel (ended 2022)
- US AFRICOM: Drones, training, and covert ops in Somalia, Niger, Libya
- EUCAP, EUTM: Training missions in Mali, Niger, Somalia
IV. Operation Typologies
- Kinetic Raids: Targeted camp assaults, jungle sweep operations
- Aerial Strikes: UAV-guided missile strikes (e.g., Somalia, Libya, Niger)
- Intercept Missions: Convoy ambushes and weapons logistics interdiction
- Undercover Ops: Human intelligence (HUMINT)-driven arrests in urban centers
- Rescue Operations: Hostage recoveries (e.g., Chibok girls, humanitarian workers)
- Non-kinetic Measures: Community dialogue, deradicalization programs, safe corridor schemes
V. Main Map Visual
A high-resolution, interactive map showing:
- Confirmed counter-terror strike zones (color-coded by country and intensity)
- Neutralized terror cell coordinates
- Cross-border operation paths
- Intelligence corridors and regional surveillance outposts
VI. Successes, Setbacks, and Tactical Gaps
Successes:
- Neutralization of leaders: Shekau (Nigeria), Droukdel (Mali), Khalid al-Barnawi (Nigeria)
- Rescues: Dozens of humanitarian staff, students, and local leaders freed from captivity
- Territory Recovery: Large swaths of Borno, Cabo Delgado, and Timbuktu reclaimed
Setbacks:
- Botched Operations: Civilian casualties in Mali, Burkina Faso, Somalia
- Political Interference: Delayed intelligence sharing, halted joint actions
- Tactical Weaknesses: Night vision, drone jamming, IED detection gaps
VII. Intelligence and Surveillance Enhancements
- UAV Expansion: U.S. drone bases in Niger (Agadez), Somalia (Baledogle)
- Signal Intercepts: Telecom-based cell tracking (e.g., Lake Chad)
- Terrain Challenges: Dense forests (Virunga, Sambisa), deserts (Sahel), urban hideouts (Mogadishu)
- Fusion Centers: G5 Sahel and MNJTF intelligence integration improving but fragmented
VII Case Studies
- Somalia: AFRICOM-backed drone strikes and elite raids vs. Al-Shabaab command structures
- Nigeria: Operation Deep Punch in Sambisa Forest; Metele raid fallout
- Mozambique: SADC-Rwanda stabilization push; capture of Mocímboa da Praia
- Mali-Niger-Burkina: French-led ops vs. ISGS; Takuba task force contributions
IX.. Policy Recommendations
- Smart Coordination: Establish AU Counter-Terror Joint Command with real-time data sharing
- Minimize Collateral Damage: Adopt civilian protection protocols and compensation frameworks
- Tech Investment: Expand ISR, AI targeting, and battlefield data analytics
- Train Local Forces: Embed counter-IED and drone countermeasure units at national levels
