It's not just Christians in the cross-hairs.
We can try,
Boko Haram, officially known as Jama'atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (Group of the People of Sunnah for Preaching and Jihad), is a Salafi-jihadist militant organization based in northeastern Nigeria. Its name is commonly translated from Hausa as "Western education is forbidden," reflecting its ideological opposition to Western influences, secular governance, and non-Islamic education. The group seeks to establish an Islamic state governed by strict Sharia law. Since its violent insurgency began in 2009, Boko Haram has been responsible for tens of thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and regional instability across the Lake Chad Basin (Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger).
Boko Haram was founded in 2002 in Maiduguri, Borno State, by Mohammed Yusuf, a charismatic preacher who attracted followers disillusioned with corruption, poverty, and Western-influenced governance in northern Nigeria. Initially, it operated as a non-violent religious commune promoting strict Islamic teachings and withdrawal from secular society. Yusuf criticized democracy, Western education, and even some mainstream Muslim practices, drawing inspiration from Salafism and earlier Nigerian Islamist movements.
The group gained followers among marginalized youth, establishing a mosque and school. By 2009, tensions escalated after clashes with police over motorcycle helmet laws, leading to the July 2009 uprising. Boko Haram attacked police stations and government buildings in several states, killing hundreds. Nigerian forces crushed the revolt, capturing Yusuf, who was extrajudicially executed in police custody on July 30, 2009. Over 700 Boko Haram members died, and the group appeared to have been dismantled.
But, in 2010, Yusuf's deputy, Abubakar Shekau, resurfaced in videos claiming leadership and vowing revenge. Shekau, known for his brutality and erratic style, transformed Boko Haram into a full-fledged insurgency. The group adopted suicide bombings, IEDs, and assassinations, targeting police, politicians, Christians, and moderate Muslims alike.
By 2014, Boko Haram controlled large territories in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, declaring a "caliphate" in Gwoza. The April 14, 2014, Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping—276 mostly Christian girls abducted—drew global outrage (#BringBackOurGirls). Shekau threatened to sell them as slaves. Over 100 remain missing or dead; many were forced into marriage, slavery, or suicide bombings.
At its height in 2014–2015, Boko Haram controlled ~50,000 km² (20,000 sq mi) with millions under its rule, imposing harsh Sharia and committing mass atrocities. It expanded into Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
On March 7, 2015, Shekau pledged allegiance to ISIS, rebranding as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). This brought limited training/funding but highlighted Shekau's extremism—he ignored ISIS orders to stop targeting Muslim civilians and using child bombers.
In August 2016, ISIS replaced Shekau with Abu Musab al-Barnawi (Yusuf's son), citing Shekau's excessive takfir (declaring Muslims apostates) and civilian killings. Shekau refused, splitting the group:
- JAS (Jama'atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad): Shekau loyalists, retaining "Boko Haram" name—more brutal, indiscriminate.
- ISWAP: al-Barnawi faction—ISIS-aligned, initially more "moderate" toward Muslims, focusing on military targets and governance.
al-Barnawi died later in 2021 (reportedly killed by rivals). Thousands of Shekau fighters surrendered or joined ISWAP.
Boko Haram (JAS faction) survived under Bakura Doro (aka Bakura Sahalaba), operating from Lake Chad islands and Sambisa. It has ~1,000–2,000 fighters, focusing on hit-and-run attacks, abductions, and taxing locals.
In 2025, Boko Haram killed over 500 Q1 and intensified attacks in Borno/Yobe.
- May 2025: Massacre of ~100 in Borno villages.
- June 2025: Suicide bombing kills 12+.
- September 2025: 63 killed in Darul Jamal.
- October 2025: Seizure of Kirawa town, displacing 5,000+.
ISWAP remains dominant but separate, with occasional clashes. Overall deaths in 2025 exceed 2024 totals; insurgency persists amid humanitarian crisis (2M+ displaced).
Boko Haram's evolution reflects local grievances amplified by global jihadism, but its core brutality and rejection of negotiation continue to fuel the conflict.
