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Boko Haram

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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 2002, the organisation is a self-proclaimed Muslim sect[5] that seeks the strict implementation of their interpretation of Sharia across the country,[5][6] notwithstanding the fact that some of their own tactics and activities are anti-Islamic and anti-Sharia.[7]

The sect, whose Hausa name is usually translated as "Western education is sacrilege[5]" or "Western education is a sin,[8]" is divided into three factions and in 2011 it was responsible for more than 450 killings in Nigeria.[5]

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.[9] 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[5] while a few experts[who?] strongly disagreeing and calling it a tactic to get more international aid[10].

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").[11][12][13][14]

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[15].

Ideology

Boko Haram is an indigenous Salafist group which only turned itself into a Salafist Jihadist group in 2009.[16] 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.[17] 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.[11]

The members of the group are so conservative that they don't even mix with the local Muslim population[18] and have carried out assassinations in the past of any one who dares to criticise it, and that includes killing Muslim clerics.[15]

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.[11]

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.[19]

History

Background

Main article: Islam in 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,[15] 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.[20]

Origin

The group was founded by a self-proclaimed Nigerian spiritual leader Mohammed Yusuf (1970–2009) in 2002 in the city of Maiduguri.[20] 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 in the hope that they would get an education which the government of Nigeria has so miserably failed to provide.

The centre had ulterior political goals and soon it was also working as a place where children and young boys were fed with propaganda and where future terrorists would be recruited.[15] The group includes members who come from neighbouring Chad and Niger and speak only in Arabic.[21]

In 2004 the complex was relocated to Yusuf's home state of Yobe in the village Kanamma near the Niger border.[19]

The beginning of violence

The group conducted its operations more or less peacefully during the first seven years of its existence.[16] That changed in 2009 when the Nigerian government launched an investigation into the group's activities following reports that its members were arming themselves.[22]

Several people of the group were arrested in Bauchi, sparking deadly clashes with Nigerian security forces which led to the deaths of an estimated 700 people. The group's founder and then leader Mohammed Yusuf was also killed during this time while still in police custody.[23][24][25]

Alleged attacks

Bauchi is located in Nigeria
Bauchi
Bauchi
Bauchi (Nigeria)

Prior to the clashes, many Muslim leaders and at least one military official had warned the authorities about Boko Haram. Those warnings were reportedly ignored.[22]

In the state of Yobe in 2009, fighters reportedly "used fuel-laden motorcycles" and "bows with poison arrows" to attack a police station.[26] On 30 July, allegations were made that Yusuf himself was killed by Nigerian security forces after being taken into custody.[27]

In January 2010, the group struck again in the Nigerian state of Borno, killing four people in Dala Alemderi ward in Maiduguri metropolis.[28]

On September 7, 2010, Boko Haram freed over 700 inmates from a prison in Bauchi State.[29]

In December 2010, Boko Haram were blamed for a market bombing, following which 92 of its members were arrested by police.[30]

On Friday January 28, 2011, the Borno state candidate of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) for the April 2011 gubernatorial elections was assassinated, along with his brother, four police officers and a 12-year old boy. Boko Haram has been blamed for these killings, other commentators have noted that the assasination of the ANPP governorship candidate Mr. Modu Fannami Gubio was politically motivated. No evidence has been offered for Boko Haram's involvement. [31][32]

On Tuesday February 8, 2011, Boko Haram gave conditions for peace. The radicals demanded that the Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, should step down from office with immediate effect and also allow members to reclaim their mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. [33] On 9th May 2011 Boko Haram rejected an offer for amnesty made by the governor-elect of Borno state, Kashim Shettima[34]

On March 29, police “thwarted a plot to bomb an [ANPP] election rally” in Maiduguri, Borno State (map). The threat was blamed on Boko Haram.

On April 1 (the day before the original date of Nigeria’s legislative elections), suspected Boko Haram members attacked a police station in Bauchi (map).

On April 9, a polling center in Maiduguri was destroyed.

On April 15, the Maiduguri office of the Independent National Electoral Commission was bombed, and several people were shot in a separate incident on the same day. Authorities suspected Boko Haram.

On April 20, Boko Haram killed a Muslim cleric and ambushed several police officers in Maiduguri.

On April 22, Boko Haram freed 14 prisoners during a jailbreak in Yola, Adamawa State (map)[35]

Boko Haram was blamed for a series of bombings in northern Nigeria on May 29, 2011 that left 15 dead.[36]

On June 17, 2011, the group claimed responsibility for a bombing attack on the police force headquarters in Abuja that occurred the previous day. Officials believed that the attack was the first suicide bombing in Nigeria's history and that it specifically targeted Police Inspector-General Hafiz Ringim.[37]

On June 26, 2011, the sect carried out a bombing attack on a beer garden in Maiduguri, according to officials and witnesses. Militants on motorcycles threw explosives into the drinking spot, killing about 25 people.[38]

On June 27, 2011, another bombing in Maiduguri attributed to the group killed at least two girls and wounded three customs officials.[39]

On July 03, 2011, a bombing in a beer garden in Maiduguri attributed to the group killed at least twenty people.[40]

On July 10, 2011, a bombing at the All Christian Fellowship Church in Suleja, Niger State. [41]

On July 11, 2011, the University of Maiduguri closed its Institution down citing security concerns. [42]

The prominent Muslim Cleric Liman Bana was shot dead by Boko Haram on August 12, 2011. He died after sustaining gunshot wounds while walking home from conducting prayers at the main mosque in Ngala.[43]

On August 26, the UN headquarters in Abuja was blown up by a suicide car bomber, leaving at least 21 dead and dozens more injured. A Boko Haram spokesman later claimed responsibility.[44] Four men appeared in an Abuja magistrates' court charged with organising the bombing, and were remanded in custody to a federal high court hearing.[45]

October 16, 2011: Police suspected that members of Boko Haram shot and killed politician Modu Bintube outside of his home in Maiduguri.[46]

October 22, 2011: Spokesman Abu Qaqa indicated that the militant group had slain Alhaji Zakariya Isa, a Nigerian Television Authority journalist, claiming that he was a government informant.[47]

November 5, 2011: A series of coordinated attacks in Borno and Yobe states, primarily around Damaturu, killed at least 67 people, leaving a new police headquarters in ruins, and government offices burned. A Boko Haram spokesman told The Daily Trust newspaper that it was responsible for the attacks and promised more.[48][49]

On 25 December 2011, Boko Haram claimed responsibility for bomb attacks on churches across Nigeria.[50]

Transnational terrorist threat

Boko Haram is considered to be a major potential terrorist threat affecting Nigeria and other countries, and is 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."[51]

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.”[51]

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:[52]

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.[53] 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.[54]

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 c d e "Dozens killed in Nigeria clashes". AlJazeera. 2011-12-24. Retrieved 2011-12-24.
  6. ^ allAfrica.com: Nigeria: We Are Responsible for Borno Killings, Says Boko Haram
  7. ^ Jimmoh, Abbas (2011-06-13). "Boko Haram not representing Islam –Gov Aliyu". Sunday Trust. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
  8. ^ Boko Haram is battle for 2015, says Chukwumerije By Ogbonnaya Obinna . The Nation . 29/09/2011
  9. ^ "Terrorism in Nigeria: A dangerous new level". The Economist. 2011-09-03. Retrieved 2011-09-07.
  10. ^ "Nigerian Army Tries to Tie Boko Haram to al-Qaeda".
  11. ^ a b c "Nigeria's 'Taliban' enigma". BBC News. 2009-07-28. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  12. ^ maguzawa.dyndns.ws (Hausa-English dictionary)
  13. ^ *Coulmas, Florian (1999). The Blackwell encyclopedia of writing systems. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 196. ISBN 063121481X. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  14. ^ 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)
  15. ^ a b c d Chothia, Farouk (2011-08-26). "Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists?". BBC News. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  16. ^ a b Cook, David (2011-09-26). "The Rise of Boko Haram in Nigeria". Combating Terrorism Centre. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ "Dozens killed in Nigeria clashes". London, England: BBC. 2009-07-26. Retrieved 2010-01-02. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  19. ^ a b Deadly Nigeria clashes spread, Al Jazeera, 2009-07-27
  20. ^ a b Johnson, Toni (2011-08-31). "Backgrounder: Boko Haram". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  21. ^ Captives freed in Nigerian city, BBC, 2009-07-29
  22. ^ a b "Nigeria accused of ignoring sect warnings before wave of killings". London: The Guardian. 2009-08-02. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
  23. ^ "Nigerian Islamist attacks spread". BBC. 2009-07-27. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
  24. ^ "Over 100 dead in Nigerian clashes". RTÉ. 2009-07-27. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
  25. ^ Nigeria killings caught on video - Africa - Al Jazeera English
  26. ^ Scores Die as Fighters Battle Nigerian Police By ADAM NOSSITER July 27, 2009, accessed 31-July-2009
  27. ^ Al-Jazeera: Nigeria to hold inquiry into unrest. Retrieved 2009-08-04
  28. ^ Boko Haram strikes again in Borno, kills 4
  29. ^ Sani, Sani Muh'd. "Attack On Bauchi Prison - Boko Haram Frees 721 Inmates." allAfrica.com. 8 September 2010. Retrieved on 31 May 2011.
  30. ^ Many dead in Nigeria market blast - Africa - Al Jazeera English
  31. ^ "Nigerian police: Gubernatorial candidate assassinated". CNN. 2011-01-28.
  32. ^ "Six killed in Nigerian political massacre". The Daily Telegraph. London. 2011-01-28.
  33. ^ Boko Haram gives conditions to stop killings
  34. ^ http://www.stratfor.com/../20110509-nigeria-boko-haram-rejects-amnesty-offer
  35. ^ Boko Haram and Nigeria’s Elections | Sahel Blog
  36. ^ More bombs follow Nigeria inauguration UPI, May 30, 2011.
  37. ^ Brock, Joe (2011-06-17). "Nigerian Islamist sect claims bomb attack: paper". Reuters. Retrieved 2011-06-17.
  38. ^ UPDATE 1-Bombs kill 25 at Nigerian drinking spot - sources, Reuters 26-06-2011
  39. ^ Two girls killed in fresh Nigeria blast, AFP 28-06-2011
  40. ^ 20 killed in blast, shootings in northern Nigeria[dead link], AFP 04-07-2011
  41. ^ News
  42. ^ University Of Maiduguri Shut Down As Boko Haram-Linked Killings Increase | Sahara Reporters
  43. ^ [1][dead link]
  44. ^ BBC (26 August 2011). "Abuja attack: Car bomb hits Nigeria UN building". BBC News. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
  45. ^ Aljazeera (17 September 2011). "Suspects charged in Nigeria bombing". Aljazeera. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  46. ^ "Nigerian lawmaker shot dead, police suspect sect". Reuters. Thomson Reuters. 2011-10-17. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  47. ^ "Nigerian sect says killed journalist for spying". Reuters. 2011-10-25. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  48. ^ "Nigeria Boko Haram attack 'kills 63' in Damaturu". BBC News. 2011-11-05. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  49. ^ "Nigeria: Boko Haram Suicide Attack Killed Dozens". The Huffington Post. 2011-11-05. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  50. ^ "Nigeria churches hit by blasts during Christmas prayers". BBC News. 25 December 2011. Retrieved 25 December 2011.
  51. ^ 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
  52. ^ 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.
  53. ^ "CIA Hosts General Azazi at Reagan Library Symposium," Atlantisphere, November 10, 2011. http://034df11.netsolhost.com/?p=68
  54. ^ "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
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