What is the aim of Boko Haram in Nigeria?

Boko Haram opposes the Westernization of Nigerian society, which it blames for “Nigeria’s culture of corruption”, and demands the establishment of an Islamic state in Nigeria. It developed into a jihadist group in 2009.

How does Nigeria’s government work?

Nigeria is a federal republic, with executive power exercised by the president. The president is the head of state, the head of government, and the head of a multi-party system. Legislative power is held by the federal government and the two chambers of the legislature: the house of representatives and the senate.

How does Boko Haram affect education?

The quick answer is: quite significant. True to its name, Boko Haram has targeted the Nigerian education system, assaulting schools, students, and teachers in Northeast Nigeria and disrupting access to education and social services, especially for young people. Teachers have been threatened, and in some cases, killed.

What do you know about the Boko Haram insurgency?

The Boko Haram insurgency began in July 2009, when the militant Islamist and jihadist rebel group Boko Haram started an armed rebellion against the government of Nigeria. The violence escalated dramatically in 2014 with 10.849 deaths, while Boko Haram drastically expanded its territories.

Is Nigeria’s momentum against Boko Haram slowing?

Nigerian security forces have made sizable gains against Boko Haram with the help of neighboring states, but the momentum to stamp out the insurgent group appears to have slowed in recent years, and communities in the country’s northeast remain beleaguered.

What is the relationship between Boko Haram’s Shekau and Yusuf al-Barnawi?

For at least the last two years, Abu Musab al-Barnawi, Yusuf’s son, has led a second faction, which CFR’s Campbell says has the same ultimate goals as Shekau’s but a less strict view as to what constitutes apostasy. Some analysts say the increasingly grisly nature of Boko Haram’s atrocities sparked rifts within the group.

Where is Abubakar Shekau today?

Today, Abubakar Shekau heads one faction, which appears to remain focused on fighting the Nigerian government in the northeast. Several times, Nigeria’s military claimed to have killed Shekau, but videos of the leader have emerged as recently as 2018.