Boko Haram: Exploring the Terrorist Threat in Nigeria

Recently this blog has focused on conflict in several areas that have regularly made front page news, Syria and Afghanistan. The Syrian conflict has and remains to cause issues for the West as they attempt to appear strong and effective in a conflict which has reached a predictable stalement. Afghanistan, which began with a rapid air campaign and a swift victory, has descended into a drawn out obligation for Coalition forces as they endeavour to fight an enemy they cannot find or discourage. However, I now turn my attention to conflict in Africa and particularly Boko Haram.

Though not front page news, Boko Haram have been involved in countless attacks in the oil rich region of Nigeria. This post will cover who the group are, what effect they have had, and if this troubled region is the next major issue for the West.

Who are they?

• Boko Haram was set up in 2002 and denotes a local Hausa phrase meaning ‘Western education is forbidden’. But, its full title is Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad which means "People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad”. I’ll leave the pronunciation of that title to the linguists out there.
• Like most terrorist groups it did not initially start out as a militant group but rather sought to oppose Western education in an effort to safeguard Muslims and their values.
• In 2009 its main objective shifted as it worked to set up an independent Muslim state in Nigeria and consequently peaceful actions turned to violence.
• By 2012 the group had split. We can only infer that some within the group were uneasy with the more extreme actions that Boko Haram had instigated.
• The offshoot was named Ansaru, or Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan meaning "Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa", and has connections with al-Qaeda. They threaten to attack Westerners in self-defence.
• The groups operate out of the desert which lies on the Northern edge of Nigeria and provides a perfect base due to its remoteness and tough conditions.

Map showing the North East part of Nigeria where Boko Haram Operate

What effect have they had?

• According to the UN over 1,200 people have been killed by Boko Haram related disturbances in the state of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.  
• 48 separate Boko Haram related attacks have occurred since emergency law was introduced in 2009
•  Ambitious 2011 raid on the UN building in the capital, Abuja.
• Gains resources from bank lootings and ransom payments.
• The Nigerian military have been deployed en mass and have blocked the mobile signal in an attempt to prevent coordination between militant groups.
• They have been largely ineffective against the groups as they continue its mission to reign terror and unite Northern Nigeria.

Violence in North-East Nigeria has escalated

How has America reacted?

In November 2013, America designated the two groups as terrorists. So, what does that mean? Surely that is just giving them a label?

Actually it has had extensive consequences:

• Regulatory agencies in the US have been instructed to stop business and financial transactions within the group.
• It is a crime under US law to provide material support to the two groups.
• Face a minimum of 20 years in jail for aiding the groups.
• The use of drones began last year but for surveillance not military ops.
• Accentuates that the organisation have progressed from domestic to international aims.
• Encourages the group to aggressively target US interests in Nigeria.
• Could further radicalise the group and push it towards other international Islamist groups.

Nigeria are unkeen for the US to deploy military forces and drones in anti-terrorist operations but this could be overruled if proven links are formed between Boko Haram and al-Qaeda. Operations, similar to those in Pakistan, could follow from which some Nigerians fear Boko Haram could gain additional support from anti-government propaganda and international jihadists keen to oppose America.

Clashes between Boko Haram and the Government forces have risen.

It would be obvious to conclude that this is a delicate matter for America and Nigeria to handle. However, it is delicate foreign policy, not forthright American homogeny, which is needed to prevent Boko Haram becoming a larger and more potent force in Sub-Saharan Africa. With the attack yesterday on Bama military camp this has become a pressing issue as the Nigerian government wishes to extend the emergency law by six months to complete its objectives. Nevertheless, it must be Nigerian forces that defeat Boko Haram, the deployment of American forces will only strengthen the groups resilience as international jihadists flock to its banner.