The “Webification” of Jihadism: Trends in the Use of Online Platforms, Before and After Attacks by Violent

9 10 The “Webification” of Jihadism: Trends in the Use of Online Platforms, Before and After Attacks by Violent Extremists in Nigeria 4 VEOs in Nigeria: Boko Haram, ISWAP and Ansaru The emergence and historical trajectories of VEOs in Nigeria are complex and multi‑dimensional. [...] Many of the members of the Shekau‑led Boko Haram joined ISWAP following his demise in 2021.46 Boko Haram and ISWAP have leveraged the political crises in North Africa, Central Africa and the Sahel due to the lack of government presence in these regions and the easy access to illicit flows of arms.47 ISWAP’s unrelenting attacks on military targets and its varied funding sources – kidnappings for ra. [...] 13 The “Webification” of Jihadism: Trends in the Use of Online Platforms, Before and After Attacks by Violent Extremists in Nigeria 2013 and the killing of Italian and British citizens in 2014.53 Following Ansaru’s split from Boko Haram, the group operated independently before it defected back into the Boko H. [...] 14 The “Webification” of Jihadism: Trends in the Use of Online Platforms, Before and After Attacks by Violent Extremists in Nigeria 5 Trends in the Use of Online Platforms before and after Attacks: The Case of VEOs in Nigeria VEOs in Nigeria have evolved their tactics and operations, including using online platforms to disseminate information both before and after their attacks. [...] 22 The “Webification” of Jihadism: Trends in the Use of Online Platforms, Before and After Attacks by Violent Extremists in Nigeria 6 Conclusion The internet plays a significant role in the pre‑ and post‑attack online behaviour of Nigerian VEOs.