Shekau’s Media Legacy Lives On as Jihadist Groups Intensify Propaganda and Violence in Nigeria

Abubakar Shekau, the late leader of Boko Haram, was notorious not only for his violent campaigns but also for his meticulous use of media to project power and influence.

Investigations and recent reports reveal that Shekau demanded regular video appearances, often barking orders to members of his media unit, and instructing them to contact what he referred to as “kafiri mai fa’ida” — or “useful infidels” — reporters who could amplify his messages, especially when he felt ignored by the government. A 2025 exposé by HumAngle Media titled “The Making and Unmaking of Abubakar Shekau” details how the militant leader obsessively sought to remain in the headlines. Former associates told the publication that Shekau’s media interventions were not random; they were strategic efforts to maintain influence and intimidate both opponents and civilians. Even after Shekau’s death, analysts say his media approach continues to shape the tactics of jihadist groups in Nigeria. Reports indicate that factions linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have increasingly turned to social media platforms such as TikTok to disseminate propaganda and recruit young followers. Recent developments in Nigeria’s northeast illustrate the dangerous combination of physical attacks and online propaganda. In April 2025 alone, more than 100 people were killed in a wave of militant attacks. Security analysts warn that the reuse of Shekau-style messaging — dramatized videos, ideological statements, and threats against civilians — fuels recruitment and heightens insecurity in already vulnerable communities. Experts caution that the continuation of Shekau’s media legacy represents a persistent threat. By merging violent operations with sophisticated online propaganda, extremist groups aim to influence a younger, tech-savvy audience and maintain relevance in the region’s insurgency landscape. As Nigeria grapples with this resurgence, authorities face the dual challenge of combating both armed attacks and the information warfare that underpins them, highlighting the ongoing need for coordinated security, intelligence, and counter-propaganda efforts.