This post will provide information on an overview of the history of boko haram in Nigeria as well as provide answers to questions like: What does Boko Haram stand for? Who is behind Boko Haram? What is the main goal of Boko Haram? When did Boko Haram start?
Boko Haram, officially known as Jama'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihad?, "Group of the People of Sunnah for Preaching and Jihad" is a terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria, which is also active in Chad, Niger and northern Cameroon. In 2016, the group split, resulting in the emergence of a hostile faction known as the Islamic State's West Africa Province. Founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2002, the group was led by Abubakar Shekau from 2009 until his death in 2021, although it splintered into other groups after Yusuf's death and also in 2015. When the group was first formed, their main goal was to "purify" Islam in northern Nigeria, believing jihad should be delayed until the group was strong enough to overthrow the Nigerian government.
The name "Boko Haram" is usually translated as "Western education is forbidden". Haram is from the Arabic (?aram, "forbidden"); and the Hausa word boko meaning "fake", which is used to refer to secular Western education. In a 2009 statement they denounced that translation as the work of the "infidel media", claiming the true translation is "Western Civilization is forbidden", and that they are not "opposed to formal education coming from the West" but "believe in the supremacy of Islamic culture (not education)". Other translations in English include "Western influence is a sin", and "Westernization is sacrilege". Until the death of its founder Mohammed Yusuf, the group was also reportedly known as Yusifiyya.
The group believe that wealth in Nigeria has been concentrated among members of a small political elite, mainly in the Christian south of the country. 60% of Nigeria population of 173 million live on less than $1 a day and so they strive to ensure that the Nigerian wealth is evenly distributed amongst the citizens. The sharia law imposed by local authorities, beginning with Zamfara in January 2000 and covering 12 northern states by late 2002, may have promoted links between Boko Haram and political leaders. As of now, the major purpose of the conflict is undefined because sources have it that they have deviated from their main objective and are now trying to islamize Nigeria which not possible.
Boko Haram's attacks consist of suicide bombings as well as conventional armed assaults on both civilian and military targets. Following the Chibok kidnapping in 2014, the majority of Boko Haram's suicide bombers are female; many are teenagers and the youngest was seven. Boko Haram jihadists rely on stealth, blending into local communities or hiding in the vast countryside.
So far, the Nigerian government have been too relaxed on this Boko Haram issue probably because their families are not affected or they are using the conflict as a political propaganda. There have been lots of information on how the military secret agendas have been exposed to the boko haram group leading to massive killing of the Nigerian Armed forces comrades. There no adequate intel as to how to attack and stop this menance once and for all because immediately the conclusion is drawn as to what to do, the information will be given to the bandits who will in return, set an ambush awaiting the military arrival.
The way out of this insecurity in the Country is that there should be a re-shuffling of the entire chief of staffs and their committee, the head of state should be made to show concern to the families affected and they should strategically launch an attack with all the armed forces (air force, police force, army, navy and so on) working together to achieve a singular goal which is ending the insurgency of boko haram.