What is Boko Haram?
The group called Jama atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda a Waati Wal Jihad, better known as Boko Haram (which roughly translates as “Western education is forbidden”), is an armed group that opposes secular authority. They have been fighting the Nigerian state since 2009 through an escalating campaign of bomb attacks, hit-and-run raids of towns and villages and the capture and occupation of larger towns in the north-east of the country. They oppose anything they see as being “influenced by the West” including voting and secular education.
How big is Boko Haram’s fighting force and where are they located?
The exact number of Boko Haram troops is unknown but it is estimated to be at least 15,000 – although it is likely to be much higher. As of October 2015, the group had taken complete control of and occupied around 15 local government areas in north-eastern Nigeria.
How are they organised? Who is their leader?
Their political and spiritual leader is Abubakar Shekau. He heads the council of elders called Shura and took power after the previous leader, Mohammad Yusuf, was killed in custody by the Nigerian police in 2009.
Where do they get the money from?
There’s a lot of speculation as to where Boko Haram’s weapons and money come from. Some claim the group has links with Nigerian politicians and international jihadi groups that have provided it with money and weapons. Most of their funds, however, are believed to come from looting towns, bank robberies and money collected in ransom.
How do they operate?
Over the past few years, Boko Haram has carried out murderous assaults on an almost daily basis. Since 2009, they have launched at least 550 raids and bombings, killing at least 7,000 civilians in Northern Nigeria. The actual number is likely to be much higher. While the majority of raids were in Borno and Yobe states, there were also attacks in Abuja, Adamawa, Kaduna and Kano states and in Cameroon. Often they abduct unmarried women and girls, as they did in April 2014 when they kidnaped 276 schoolgirls from Chibok Government Girls Secondary School. The vast majority are still missing. Boko Haram has also burned or seriously damaged school buildings and killed teachers and children in targeted attacks on schools in the north east. Amnesty International has received reports that Boko Haram has used torture to enforce its rules, has forced women and girls into marriage with its members, and recruited and used child soldiers.
