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==History==
==History==
===Background===
===Background===
{{Main|Islam in Nigeria}}
{{Main|Islam in Nigeria|Colonial Nigeria}}


Before [[colonisation]] and subsequent annexation into the [[British Empire]], the territory where Boko Haram is currently active, was a [[sovereign]] [[constitutional republic]] or [[caliphate]] with a majority Muslim population. It was named the [[Sokoto Caliphate]] and was run according to the principles of the [[Constitution of Medina]].
Before [[colonisation]] and subsequent annexation into the [[British Empire]], the territory where Boko Haram is currently active, was a [[sovereign]] [[constitutional republic]] or [[caliphate]] with a majority Muslim population. It was named the [[Sokoto Caliphate]] and was run according to the principles of the [[Constitution of Medina]].

Revision as of 13:24, 7 January 2012

Boko Haram
People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad
جماعة أهل السنة للدعوة والجهاد
LeadersMohammed Yusuf  †
Mallam Sanni Umaru?[1][2] Abu Darda
Abu Zaid - Spokesman[2]
Dates of operation2002–
HeadquartersKanamma, Nigeria
Active regionsNorthern Nigeria
IdeologyIslamism
OpponentsNigerian State
Battles and warsNigerian Sharia conflict
*Nigerian Sectarian Violence
Map of Nigerian states that currently implement Shariah

People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad[3] (Arabic: جماعة اهل السنة للدعوة والجهاد, Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad), better known by its Hausa name Boko Haram, is a terrorist organisation in Nigeria.[4] Founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2001[5] or 2002[6] , the organisation is a self-proclaimed Muslim sect that seeks the strict implementation of their interpretation of Sharia across the country.[7][8]

The sect, whose Hausa name is usually translated as "Western education is sacrilege[7]" or "Western education is a sin,[9]" is divided into three factions and in 2011 it was responsible for more than 450 killings in Nigeria.[7]

Though the group first became known internationally following sectarian violence in Nigeria in 2009, not much is known about its structure and chain of command.[10] Also, it is still a matter of debate if Boko Haram has any links to terror outfits outside Nigeria with some claiming one of its factions maintains links with terror groups in Somalia and North Africa[7] while a few experts[who?] strongly disagreeing and calling it a tactic on part of the authorities to get more international aid.[11]

Etymology

The group's official name is People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad, which is the English translation of Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (جماعة أهل السنة للدعوة والجهاد).

In the town of Maiduguri, where the group was formed in 2002, the residents dubbed it Boko Haram. The term "Boko Haram" comes from the Hausa word boko meaning "Animist, western or otherwise non-Islamic education" and the Arabic word haram figuratively meaning "sin" (literally, "forbidden").[12][13][14][15]

Literally the name signifies anything unislamic (as defined by the group) is forbidden. Loosely translated from Hausa, this means Western education is forbidden. The group earned this name due to its strong opposition to anything Western, which it sees as corrupting Muslims[16].

Ideology

Boko Haram is an indigenous Salafist group which only turned itself into a Salafist Jihadist group in 2009.[17] It propagates a version of Islam that not only forbids any interaction with the Western World but it is also against the traditional Muslim establishment and the government of Nigeria.[18] The group publicly extols its ideology despite the fact that its founder and former leader Muhammad Yusuf was himself a highly educated man who lived a lavish life and drove a Mercedes Benz.[12]

The members of the group are so conservative that they don't even mix with the local Muslim population[19] and have carried out assassinations in the past of any one who dares to criticise it, and that includes killing Muslim clerics.[16]

In a 2009 BBC interview, the then group's leader Muhammad Yusuf said "we believe" rain is "a creation of God rather than an evaporation caused by the sun that condenses and becomes rain." He also said he would not mind rejecting the fact that the earth is a sphere if it were contrary to his version of Islam. The group doesn't endorse the theory of evolution.[12]

In 2009, before his death, the former leader and founder of the group made it clear that they were fighting against the current education system and democracy.[20]

Ideological clash with Islam

Though Boko Haram call itself an Islamic group, its ideology or version of Islam is far from being mainstream and there are many critics, including a Nigerian Governer Dr. MB Aliyu and the current Sultan of Sokoto, who have publicly denounced the group as anti-Islamic.[21][22]

Ideologically the Boko Haram are pro-suicide and have indulged in suicide bombings to achieve their aims.[23] Suicide, on the other hand, is strictly prohibited in Islam.[24]

Boko Haram's attacks often do not discriminate between soldiers and ordinary people and this has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent people. The Muslim code of conduct, on the contrary, doesn't permit "indiscriminate killing" even during a battle and it's considered unjust to take up arms against the "women and children, the old and the injured" in Islam.[25]

Boko Haram's staunch opposition to education also run contrary to the Islamic principles which insist on seeking knowledge.[26]

History

Background

Main articles: Islam in Nigeria and Colonial Nigeria

Before colonisation and subsequent annexation into the British Empire, the territory where Boko Haram is currently active, was a sovereign constitutional republic or caliphate with a majority Muslim population. It was named the Sokoto Caliphate and was run according to the principles of the Constitution of Medina.

After their conquest of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1903, the British, who were predominately Christians, introduced a new education system which found little appeal among the local population,[16] increased dissatifaction and gave rise to many fundamentalists.

One of the most famous such fundamentalists was Mohammed Marwa alias Maitatsine who was at the height of his notoriety during the 1970s and 1980s. He was sent into exile by the British authorities, he refused to believe Mohammed was the Prophet and schemed riots in the country which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. Boko Haram is believed to have been influenced by Maitatsine.[27]

Origin

The group was founded by a self-proclaimed Nigerian spiritual leader Mohammed Yusuf (1970–2009) in 2002 in the city of Maiduguri with the aim of establishing a Shari'a government in Borno State under former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff.[27][5] He established a religious complex that included a mosque and a school where many poor families from across Nigeria and from neighboring countries enrolled their children.[16]

The centre had ulterior political goals and soon it was also working as a recruiting ground for future jihadis to fight the state.[16] The group includes members who come from neighbouring Chad and Niger and speak only Arabic.[28]

In 2004 the complex was relocated to Yusuf's home state of Yobe in the village Kanamma near the Niger border.[20]

The beginning of violence

The group conducted its operations more or less peacefully during the first seven years of its existence.[17] That changed in 2009 when the Nigerian government launched an investigation into the group's activities following reports that its members were arming themselves.[29] Prior to that the government reportedly repeatedly ignored warnings about the increasingly militant character of the organisation, including that of a military officer.[29]

When the government came into action, several members of the group were arrested in Bauchi, sparking deadly clashes with Nigerian security forces which led to the deaths of an estimated 700 people. During the fighting with the security forces Boko Haram "fighters reportedly "used fuel-laden motorcycles" and "bows with poison arrows" to attack a police station.[30] The group's founder and then leader Mohammed Yusuf was also killed during this time while still in police custody.[31][32][33]

After the killing of M. Yusuf, the group carried out its first terrorist attack in Borno in January 2010. It resulted in the killing of four people.[34] Since then, the violence has only escalated in terms of both frequency and intensity.

Other violent incidents involving Boko Haram

Date Information in Brief
7 September, 2010 On that day Boko Haram frees over 700 inmates from a prison in Bauchi State.[35]
December, 2010 Boko Haram is blamed for a market bombing, following which 92 of its members are arrested by the police.[36]
28 January, 2011 The Borno state candidate of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) for the April 2011 gubernatorial elections is assassinated, along with his brother, four police officers and a 12-year old boy. Boko Haram is blamed for these killings, other commentators note that the assasination of the ANPP governorship candidate Mr. Modu Fannami Gubio is politically motivated. No evidence is offered for Boko Haram's involvement. [37][38]
8 February, 2011 Boko Haram offer conditions for peace. The radicals demand that the Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, step down from office with immediate effect and also allow members to reclaim their mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.[39] On 9th May 2011 Boko Haram rejects an offer for amnesty made by the governor-elect of Borno state, Kashim Shettima[40]
29 March, 2011 The police “thwarts a plot to bomb an [ANPP] election rally” in Maiduguri, Borno State (map). The threat is blamed on Boko Haram.
1 April, 2011 On the day before the original date of Nigeria’s legislative elections, suspected Boko Haram members attack a police station in Bauchi (map).
9 April, 2011 A polling center in Maiduguri is destroyed.
15 April, 2011 The Maiduguri office of the Independent National Electoral Commission is bombed, and several people are shot in a separate incident on the same day. Authorities suspect Boko Haram.
20 April, 2011 Boko Haram kills a Muslim cleric and ambushes several police officers in Maiduguri.
22 April, 2011 Boko Haram frees 14 prisoners during a jailbreak in Yola, Adamawa State (map)[41]
29 May, 2011 Boko Haram is blamed for a series of bombings in northern Nigeria that leave 15 dead.[42]
17 June, 2011 The group claims responsibility for a bombing attack on the police force headquarters in Abuja that occurred the previous day. Officials believe that the attack is the first suicide bombing in Nigeria's history and that it specifically targeted Police Inspector-General Hafiz Ringim.[43]
26 June, 2011 The sect carries out a bombing attack on a beer garden in Maiduguri, according to officials and witnesses. Militants on motorcycles throw explosives into the drinking spot, killing about 25 people.[44]
27 June, 2011 Another bombing in Maiduguri is attributed to the group. It kills at least two girls and wounds three customs officials.[45]
03 July, 2011 A bombing in a beer garden in Maiduguri is attributed to the group. It results in the death of at least twenty people.[46]
10 July, 2011 A bombing at the All Christian Fellowship Church in Suleja, Niger State.[47]
11 July, 2011 The University of Maiduguri temperory closes down its campus citing security concerns.[48]
12 August, 2011 Prominent Muslim Cleric Liman Bana is shot dead by Boko Haram. He dies after sustaining gunshot wounds. He walking home after conducting prayers at the main mosque in Ngala.[49]
26 August, 2011 The UN headquarters in Abuja are blown up by a suicide car bomber, leaving at least 21 dead and dozens more injured. A Boko Haram spokesman later claimes responsibility.[50] Four men are produced in an Abuja magistrates' court, they are charged with organising the bombing and are remanded in custody for a federal high court hearing.[51]
16 October, 2011 Police suspect that members of Boko Haram have shot and killed politician Modu Bintube outside of his home in Maiduguri.[52]
22 October, 2011 Spokesman Abu Qaqa indicats that the militant group has slain Alhaji Zakariya Isa, a Nigerian Television Authority journalist, claiming that he was a government informant.[53]
5 November, 2011 A series of coordinated attacks in Borno and Yobe states, primarily around Damaturu, kill at least 67 people, leaving a new police headquarters in ruins, and government offices burned. A Boko Haram spokesman tells The Daily Trust newspaper that it is responsible for the attacks and promises more.[54][55]
25 December, 2011 Boko Haram claims responsibility for bomb attacks on churches across Nigeria.[56]

Transnational terrorist threat

Boko Haram is considered to be a major potential terrorist threat affecting Nigeria and other countries, and US officials believe it is potentially allied with Al Qaeda. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Carter F. Ham stated in September 2011 that three African terrorist groups - Shabab of Somalia, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb across the Sahel region, and Boko Haram - "have very explicitly and publicly voiced an intent to target Westerners, and the U.S. specifically" and that he was concerned with "the voiced intent of the three organizations to more closely collaborate and synchronize their efforts."[57]

General Ham reiterated his concern after the Christmas Day 2011 bombings of churches in Nigeria: "I remain greatly concerned about their stated intent to connect with Al Qaeda senior leadership, most likely through Al Qaeda in the lands of the Islamic Maghreb.”[57]

A bipartisan U.S. congressional counterterrorism panel urged the Obama Administration and U.S. intelligence community in November 2011 to focus on Boko Haram as a potential threat to United States territory. The panel made the following findings and about Boko Haram as a threat to U.S. territory and recommendations for U.S. policy:[58]

Findings

1. Boko Haram has quickly evolved and poses an emerging threat to U.S. interests and the U.S. Homeland.

2. Boko Haram has the intent and may be developing capability to coordinate on a rhetorical and operational level with Al Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and al Shabaab.

3. Boko Haram’s evolution in targeting and tactics closely tracks that of other al Qaeda affiliates that have targeted the U.S. Homeland, most notably Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

4. The U.S. Intelligence Community largely underestimated the potential for al Qaeda affiliate groups to target the U.S. Homeland, wrongly assessing they had only regional ambitions and threats against the U.S. Homeland were merely “aspirational.”

5. The United States should work with the Government of Nigeria to build counterterrorism and intelligence capability to effectively counter Boko Haram.

Recommendations

1. Do Not Underestimate Boko Haram’s Intent and Capability to Attack the U.S. Homeland: As this report makes clear, the U.S. Intelligence Community has recently underestimated the intent and capability of terrorist groups to strike the homeland, most notably Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These underestimations had near deadly consequences on Christmas Day 2009 over Detroit and in May 2010 in Times Square.

2. Determine Whether Boko Haram Should be Designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO): The Secretary of State should conduct an investigation into whether Boko Haram should be designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization, in accordance with Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. Following the Boko Haram attack on the United Nations (U.N.) headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, we wrote to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling for an investigation to determine whether FTO designation was necessary. In light of Boko Haram’s continued escalation, FTO designation may be required to provide our intelligence and law enforcement communities the tools necessary to ensure Boko Haram does not attack U.S. interests and the U.S. Homeland.

3. Increase U.S. Intelligence Community Collection on Boko Haram: The U.S. Intelligence Community must increase its intelligence collection on Boko Haram, including human intelligence (HUMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT). It must also enhance its liaison relationship with Nigerian security services and help build their capacity to combat the threat posed by Boko Haram to Nigerian and U.S. interests.

4. Conduct Outreach With Nigerian Diaspora Communities in the United States: The U.S. government should develop relationships with Nigerian diaspora communities in the United States to learn more about Boko Haram and the factors driving its evolution, intent, capability, and targeting. Through familial and personal relationships, diaspora communities in the United States provide a unique and invaluable perspective on their home country.

5. Increase U.S. Government Support for Nigerian Counterterrorism and Intelligence Programs: The U.S. Government should increase its support for programs that enhance the ability of Nigerian security forces to more effectively target Boko Haram and counter its evolution. The U.S. and Nigerian governments should also work more closely to increase intelligence collection.

Nigeria's National Security Adviser, General Owoye Andrew Azazi, has been working with other African governments, European and Middle Eastern governments, and the U.S. government to build cooperation against Boko Haram. He met in 2010 with then-CIA Director Leon Panetta, and in 2011 with AFRICOM Commander General Ham, and other U.S. officials, and was in the United States when the congressional panel was preparing its report on Boko Haram. He participated in a CIA conference at about the same time.[59] After the Christmas 2011 bombings carried out by Boko Haram, President Barack Obama's office issued a statement that confirmed that the U.S. and Nigeria were cooperating at a senior level against the terrorist group.[60]

See also

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References

  1. ^ allafrica.com
  2. ^ a b The Abuja Bomber | The News Nigeria
  3. ^ "Nigeria policemen in court trial for Boko Haram killing". BBC News. 2011-07-13.
  4. ^ "Homeland Security Committee Report Details Emerging Homeland Threat Posed by Africa-Based Terrorist Organization, Boko Haram". Committe on Homeland Security. 2011-11-30. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
  5. ^ a b "Nigeria: Boko-Haram and the U.S. Counter-Terrorism Partnership". AllAfrica. 2011-09-11.
  6. ^ "Boko Haram: Rocking the Nigerian boat". France24. 2011-12-27.
  7. ^ a b c d "Dozens killed in Nigeria clashes". AlJazeera. 2011-12-24. Retrieved 2011-12-24.
  8. ^ allAfrica.com: Nigeria: We Are Responsible for Borno Killings, Says Boko Haram
  9. ^ Boko Haram is battle for 2015, says Chukwumerije By Ogbonnaya Obinna . The Nation . 29/09/2011
  10. ^ "Terrorism in Nigeria: A dangerous new level". The Economist. 2011-09-03. Retrieved 2011-09-07.
  11. ^ "Nigerian Army Tries to Tie Boko Haram to al-Qaeda".
  12. ^ a b c "Nigeria's 'Taliban' enigma". BBC News. 2009-07-28. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  13. ^ maguzawa.dyndns.ws (Hausa-English dictionary)
  14. ^ *Coulmas, Florian (1999). The Blackwell encyclopedia of writing systems. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 196. ISBN 063121481X. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  15. ^ Austin, Peter K. One Thousand Languages: Living, Endangered, and Lost. University of California Press. p. 64. ISBN 0520255607. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  16. ^ a b c d e Chothia, Farouk (2011-08-26). "Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists?". BBC News. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  17. ^ a b Cook, David (2011-09-26). "The Rise of Boko Haram in Nigeria". Combating Terrorism Centre. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  18. ^ Bartolotta, Christopher (2011-09-23). "Terrorism in Nigeria: the Rise of Boko Haram". The Whitehead Journal of Diplomacy and Internatinal Relations. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  19. ^ "Dozens killed in Nigeria clashes". London, England: BBC. 2009-07-26. Retrieved 2010-01-02. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  20. ^ a b Deadly Nigeria clashes spread, Al Jazeera, 2009-07-27
  21. ^ Jimmoh, Abbas (2011-06-13). "Boko Haram not representing Islam –Gov Aliyu". Sunday Trust. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
  22. ^ Oladeji, Bayo and Agba, George (2011-12-30). "Smoke Out Boko Haram Sponsors, Jonathan Orders Security Chiefs". All Africa. Retrieved 2012-01-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ "Boko Haram spread reaches suicide bombing". Sunday Trust. 2011-06-19. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  24. ^ "Euthanasia and suicide in Islam". BBC. 2009-09-07. Retrieved 2012-01-05.
  25. ^ "The Quran on War, peace and Justice". Islam101. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  26. ^ "The Importance of Education in Islam". Islam Awareness. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  27. ^ a b Johnson, Toni (2011-08-31). "Backgrounder: Boko Haram". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  28. ^ Captives freed in Nigerian city, BBC, 2009-07-29
  29. ^ a b "Nigeria accused of ignoring sect warnings before wave of killings". London: The Guardian. 2009-08-02. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
  30. ^ Scores Die as Fighters Battle Nigerian Police By ADAM NOSSITER July 27, 2009, accessed 31-July-2009
  31. ^ "Nigerian Islamist attacks spread". BBC. 2009-07-27. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
  32. ^ "Over 100 dead in Nigerian clashes". RTÉ. 2009-07-27. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
  33. ^ Nigeria killings caught on video - Africa - Al Jazeera English
  34. ^ Boko Haram strikes again in Borno, kills 4
  35. ^ Sani, Sani Muh'd. "Attack On Bauchi Prison - Boko Haram Frees 721 Inmates." allAfrica.com. 8 September 2010. Retrieved on 31 May 2011.
  36. ^ Many dead in Nigeria market blast - Africa - Al Jazeera English
  37. ^ "Nigerian police: Gubernatorial candidate assassinated". CNN. 2011-01-28.
  38. ^ "Six killed in Nigerian political massacre". The Daily Telegraph. London. 2011-01-28.
  39. ^ Boko Haram gives conditions to stop killings
  40. ^ http://www.stratfor.com/../20110509-nigeria-boko-haram-rejects-amnesty-offer
  41. ^ Boko Haram and Nigeria’s Elections | Sahel Blog
  42. ^ More bombs follow Nigeria inauguration UPI, May 30, 2011.
  43. ^ Brock, Joe (2011-06-17). "Nigerian Islamist sect claims bomb attack: paper". Reuters. Retrieved 2011-06-17.
  44. ^ UPDATE 1-Bombs kill 25 at Nigerian drinking spot - sources, Reuters 26-06-2011
  45. ^ Two girls killed in fresh Nigeria blast, AFP 28-06-2011
  46. ^ 20 killed in blast, shootings in northern Nigeria[dead link], AFP 04-07-2011
  47. ^ News
  48. ^ University Of Maiduguri Shut Down As Boko Haram-Linked Killings Increase | Sahara Reporters
  49. ^ [1][dead link]
  50. ^ BBC (26 August 2011). "Abuja attack: Car bomb hits Nigeria UN building". BBC News. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
  51. ^ Aljazeera (17 September 2011). "Suspects charged in Nigeria bombing". Aljazeera. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  52. ^ "Nigerian lawmaker shot dead, police suspect sect". Reuters. Thomson Reuters. 2011-10-17. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  53. ^ "Nigerian sect says killed journalist for spying". Reuters. 2011-10-25. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  54. ^ "Nigeria Boko Haram attack 'kills 63' in Damaturu". BBC News. 2011-11-05. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  55. ^ "Nigeria: Boko Haram Suicide Attack Killed Dozens". The Huffington Post. 2011-11-05. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  56. ^ "Nigeria churches hit by blasts during Christmas prayers". BBC News. 25 December 2011. Retrieved 25 December 2011.
  57. ^ a b Musikilu Mojeed and Eric Schmitt, "Nigeria Arrests 2 in Blast that Killed 26 in Church," New York Times, December 26, 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/27/world/africa/nigeria-bombing-suspects-arrested.html?_r=2
  58. ^ U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security, "Boko Haram: Emerging Threat to the U.S. Homeland," Report of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence, November 30, 2011 http://homeland.house.gov/press-release/homeland-security-committee-report-details-emerging-homeland-threat-posed-africa-based.
  59. ^ "CIA Hosts General Azazi at Reagan Library Symposium," Atlantisphere, November 10, 2011. http://034df11.netsolhost.com/?p=68
  60. ^ "Statement of the Press Secretary on Nigeria," The White House, December 25, 2011. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/12/25/statement-press-secretary-nigeria

External links

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