Boko Haram

The organization's name has always been Group of the People of Sunnah for Dawa and Jihad ({{langx|ar|جماعة أهل السنة للدعوة والجهاد|Jamā'atu Ahli is-Sunnah lid-Da'wati wal-Jihād|link=no}}).{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2014/sc11410.doc.htm |title=Security Council Al-qaida Sanctions Committee Adds Boko Haram to its Sanctions List |publisher=UN Security Council |author=Department of Public Information • News and Media Division |location=New York |date=22 May 2014 |access-date=30 July 2014}} It was also known as the West African Province (Wilayat Garb Ifrqiya), and, after pledging allegiance to Islamic State in 2015, was briefly called Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) or Islamic State's West African Province (ISWAP). The group fractured in 2016, however, and ISWAP and Boko Haram are now separate groups.{{cite web |title=Boko Haram Nigerian Islamic group |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Boko-Haram |website=Britannica |access-date=8 March 2021}}

The name Boko Haram is usually translated as "Western education is forbidden". "Haram" is from the Arabic {{lang|ar|حَرَام}} (ḥarām, "forbidden") and the Hausa word boko (the first vowel is long, the second pronounced in a low tone), meaning "fake",{{cite web|url=http://www.gamji.com/tilde/tilde99.htm |title=Monday Discourse With Dr |publisher=Gamji.com |access-date=2016-05-21}}{{cite web |url=http://bargeryhausa.gotdns.com/ |title=Hausa-English dictionary |publisher=Lexilogos |author=George Percy Bargery |date=1934 |access-date=25 July 2014|author-link=George Percy Bargery }} which is used to refer to secular Western education.{{cite web |author1=Paul Newman |title=The Etymology of Hausa boko |url=http://megatchad.net/publications/Newman-2013-Etymology-of-Hausa-boko.pdf |website=www.megatchad.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427234827/http://www.megatchad.net/publications/Newman-2013-Etymology-of-Hausa-boko.pdf |archive-date=2014-04-27}} 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)"."[https://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/08/boko-haram-ressurects-declares-total-jihad/ Boko Haram Resurrects, Declares Total Jihad]", Vanguard, August 14, 2009,{{cite book |last1=Thurston |first1=Alexander |title=Search Results Boko Haram: The History of an African Jihadist Movement |date=2019 |publisher=Princeton University Press |page=16 |isbn=9780691197081 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KcmXDwAAQBAJ&dq=Wilayat+Gharb+Ifriqiyya&pg=PA17 |access-date=8 March 2021}} Other translations in English include "Western influence is a sin",{{cite news |first=Conal |last=Urquhart |date=17 August 2014 |title=Nigeria committing 'war crimes' to defeat Boko Haram |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/nigeria-committing-war-crimes-to-defeat-boko-haram-9674775.html |work=The Independent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819031535/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/nigeria-committing-war-crimes-to-defeat-boko-haram-9674775.html |archive-date=2014-08-19}} and "Westernization is sacrilege". Until the death of its founder Mohammed Yusuf, the group was also reportedly known as Yusifiyya. Northern Nigerians have commonly dismissed Western education as ilimin boko ("fake education") and secular schools as makaranta boko ("fake school").{{cite news |url=http://cognoscenti.wbur.org/2014/05/09/nigeria-schoolgirls-kidnapping-william-f-s-miles |title=Breaking Down 'Boko Haram' |author=William F. S. Miles |date=9 May 2014 |publisher=cognoscenti |access-date=8 January 2015 |archive-date=8 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108131918/http://cognoscenti.wbur.org/2014/05/09/nigeria-schoolgirls-kidnapping-william-f-s-miles |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamji.com/tilde/tilde99.htm |title=An in-house Survey into the Cultural Origins of Boko Haram Movement in Nigeria |author=Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde |access-date=24 July 2014}}

File:NG-Sharia.png

{{Jihadism sidebar}}

Some analysts have emphasized economic causes as a factor in Boko Haram's success. Wealth in Nigeria has been concentrated among members of a small political elite.{{cite web |url= http://africanarguments.org/2011/11/09/african-arguments-editorial-boko-haram-is-another-consequence-of-unequal-development-in-nigeria/ |title=African Arguments Editorial – Boko Haram in Nigeria : another consequence of unequal development |publisher=African Arguments |date=9 November 2011 |access-date=31 July 2014}}{{Cite journal|url=http://blogs.shu.edu/diplomacy/2011/09/terrorism-in-nigeria-the-rise-of-boko-haram/ |title=Terrorism in Nigeria: the Rise of Boko Haram|last=Bartolotta |first=Christopher |date=23 September 2011|journal=The Whitehead Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations |access-date=12 January 2012}} Nigeria is Africa's biggest economy, but 60% of its population of 173 million {{as of|2013|alt=(as of 2013)}} live on less than $1 a day.{{cite web |title=Nigeria's economic transition reveals deep structural distortions – By Zainab Usman |url=https://africanarguments.org/2014/05/nigerias-economic-transition-reveals-deep-structural-distortions-by-zainab-usman/ |website=African Arguments |date=1 May 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL |title=Data |publisher=The World Bank |access-date=3 August 2014}}{{cite web |title=Nigerians living in poverty rise to nearly 61% |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-17015873 |website=BBC News |date=13 February 2012}}

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, but was considered by the group to have been corrupted.{{cite web |title=The Boko Haram Uprising and Islamic Revivalism in Nigeria |url=http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/afsp/article/viewFile/330/330 |website=www.sub.uni-hamburg.de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301012207/http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/afsp/article/viewFile/330/330 |archive-date=2015-03-01}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/612144.stm |title=Islamic law raises tension in Nigeria |publisher=BBC News |author=Barnaby Phillips |date=20 January 2000 |access-date=7 August 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/people/features/ihavearightto/four_b/casestudy_art07.shtml |title=Article 7: Right to equal protection by the law |publisher=BBC World Service |access-date=7 August 2014}}

Academic Atta Barkindo explains the group's "baffling" ability to "maintain momentum" in part by the "accumulated and unaddressed grievances" against colonialism in the region, including the colonial boundaries (of Nigeria, Ghana, etc.) established by Europeans that bear no resemblance to "pre-colonial empires, ethnic or cultural territories", and by the group's use of the "historical narrative" of the Islamic Kanem–Bornu Empire.{{cite journal |last1=Barkindo |first1=Atta |title=Boko Haram-ISWAP and the Growing Footprint of Islamic State (IS) in Africa |journal=Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses |date=2023 |volume=15 |issue=2 |pages=12–17 |jstor=48718087 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/48718087 |access-date=13 October 2024 |issn=2382-6444}} Mohammad Yusuf preached that, "our land was an Islamic state before it was turned into a land of kafir (infidel); the current system is contrary to true Muslim beliefs".{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}}

The political interests and bias of the Nigerian elite is believed to play a major role in the thriving of the activities of the organization: the political leadership requires that the press refer to the group as bandits rather than terrorists, which downplays the threat they pose.{{Citation |last1=Onapajo |first1=Hakeem |title=Restructuring, Political Gimmicks and Elite Manipulation in Nigeria |date=2021 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73375-9_5 |work=A Sleeping Giant? : Nigeria's Domestic and International Politics in the Twenty-First Century |pages=61–71 |editor-last=Tella |editor-first=Oluwaseun |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-73375-9_5 |isbn=978-3-030-73375-9 |access-date=2023-01-03 |last2=Babalola |first2=Dele|series=Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development |s2cid=240595207 |url-access=subscription }}{{Cite web |last=Dickson |first=Charles |date=2015-03-14 |title=Nigeria: Elites And Politics |url=https://nigerianobservernews.com/2015/03/nigeria-elites-and-politics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103222621/https://nigerianobservernews.com/2015/03/nigeria-elites-and-politics/ |archive-date=2023-01-03 |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=Nigerian Observer |language=en}}

In a discussion organized by the Woodrow Wilson Center, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria, highlighted the low level of literacy and education in the Northern parts of the country as contributing to the perpetuation of Boko Haram. According to Obasanjo, illiterate and uneducated children are more likely to be drawn into the ranks of the terrorist organization.{{cite web |last=Woodrow Wilson Center |date=15 October 2019 |title=A Conversation with H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNP3ajS9RS8&t=5537s |access-date=5 April 2022 |via=YouTube}}

The founder of Boko Haram, Muhammad Yusuf, was reportedly inspired by the controversial Islamic preacher Mohammed Marwa (Maitatsine), who condemned the reading of any books other than the Quran.{{Cite book |title=Managing Conflicts in Africa's Democratic Transitions |editor-first=Akanmu G |editor-last=Adebayo |year=2012 |publisher=Lexington Books |isbn=978-0739172636 |page=176}}{{cite book |title=West African Studies Conflict over Resources and Terrorism |publisher=OECD |year=2013 }}{{cite web |author1=J. Peter Pham, Ph.D. |title=In Nigeria False Prophets Are Real Problems |url=http://worlddefensereview.com/pham101906.shtml |website=worlddefensereview.com |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209115602/http://worlddefensereview.com/pham101906.shtml |archive-date=2013-02-09}} In one 2009 interview, Yusuf expressed his opposition not only to Western education, but to the theory of evolution, a spherical Earth, and to the idea that rain comes from "evaporation caused by the sun" rather than being created and sent down directly by God.{{cite news |title=Nigeria's 'Taliban' enigma |work=BBC News |date=28 July 2009 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/africa/8172270.stm |access-date=28 July 2009 }}

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. As Sunni Salafi Jihadis, the group strives to re-establish the Islamic caliphate and bring all peoples under its domain, doing away with modern states and patriotic feeling towards them. After Boko Haram declared its allegiance to the Islamic State, an IS statement proclaimed "It was the rejection of nationalism that drove the mujahidin in Nigeria to give bay'ah (fealty) to the Islamic State and wage war against the Nigerian murtaddin (apostates) fighting for the Nigerian taghut (idolatrous tyrant)".{{cite book |last1=Thurston |first1=Alexander |title=Search Results Boko Haram: The History of an African Jihadist Movement |date=2019 |publisher=Princeton University Press |page=18 |isbn=9780691197081 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KcmXDwAAQBAJ&dq=Wilayat+Gharb+Ifriqiyya&pg=PA17 |access-date=8 March 2021}} The movement is diffuse, and fighters who are associated with it follow the Salafi doctrine.

Members' beliefs tend to be centered on strict adherence to Wahhabism, which is an extremely strict form of Sunni Islam that sees many other forms of Islam as idolatrous.{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R43558.pdf |title=Nigeria's Boko Haram: Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Congressional Research Service |author=Lauren Ploch Blanchard |date=10 June 2014 |access-date=3 August 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://www.cfr.org/africa/boko-haram/p25739 | title=Backgrounder — Boko Haram | publisher=Council of Foreign Relations | work=cfr.org | date=27 December 2011 | access-date=12 March 2012 | last=Johnson |first=Toni}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-rise-of-boko-haram-in-nigeria |title=The Rise of Boko Haram in Nigeria |last=Cook |first=David |date=26 September 2011 |publisher=Combating Terrorism Centre |access-date=12 January 2012 |archive-date=6 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506224112/http://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-rise-of-boko-haram-in-nigeria |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gloria-center.org/2014/07/the-diffusion-of-intra-islamic-violence-and-terrorism-the-impact-of-the-proliferation-of-salafiwahhabi-ideologies/ |title=The Diffusion of Intra-islamic Violence and Terrorism: the Impact of the Proliferation of Salafi/Wahhabi Ideologies |access-date=10 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803072301/http://www.gloria-center.org/2014/07/the-diffusion-of-intra-islamic-violence-and-terrorism-the-impact-of-the-proliferation-of-salafiwahhabi-ideologies/ |archive-date=3 August 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite book |title=Boko Haram: Islamism, politics, security and the state in Nigeria |chapter=Boko Haram and the evolving Salafi Jihadist threat in Nigeria|last=Onuoha |first=Freedom |year=2014 |publisher=African Studies Centre|location= Leiden |isbn=978-90-5448-135-5 |pages=158–191 |chapter-url=https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/23853/ASC-075287668-3441-01.pdf |access-date=14 May 2014 |editor-last=Pérouse de Montclos |editor-first=Marc-Antoine }}

The group has denounced the members of the Sufi and the Shiite sects as infidels,Tolu Ogunlesi, [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/24/opinion/nigerias-internal-struggles.html?_r=0 "Nigeria's Internal Struggles"], The New York Times, 23 March 2015. and also mainstream Sunni Muslims who fail to support their jihad. This willingness to takfir – i.e. accuse self-professed Muslims of being apostates from Islam and thus subject to execution{{cite journal |last1=Zenna |first1=Jacob |last2=Pierib |first2=Zacharias |title=How much Takfir is too much Takfir? The Evolution of Boko Haram's Factionalization. |journal=Journal for Deradicalization |date=Summer 2017 |issue=11 |page=288 |url=https://journals.sfu.ca/jd/index.php/jd/article/download/107/90 |access-date=6 March 2021 |issn=2363-9849}} – is a departure from mainstream Islam but not Salafi jihadism.

An insurgent aiming to overthrow a Muslim government faces a challenge due to mainstream Islamic doctrine, which forbids the killing or enslaving of fellow Muslims, including government officials, military personnel, or ordinary Muslims who don't support the insurgency. However, by using takfir—declaring opponents as apostates—the insurgents not only bypass this prohibition but also turn the killing of these Muslims into a "religious duty." In a 18 December 2016 speech to his commanders, Shekau proclaimed that 'even if a woman is praying and fasting, once she engages in democracy I can capture her in a battle'.{{cite journal |last1=Zenna |first1=Jacob |last2=Pierib |first2=Zacharias |title=How much Takfir is too much Takfir? The Evolution of Boko Haram's Factionalization. |journal=Journal for Deradicalization |date=Summer 2017 |issue=11 |pages=288–9|url=https://journals.sfu.ca/jd/index.php/jd/article/download/107/90 |access-date=6 March 2021 |issn=2363-9849}}

According to researchers Jacob Zenna and Zacharias Pier,Watts, Michael. 2015. "Insurgent Spaces: Power, Place, and Spectacle in Nigeria" in Merrill, Heather, and Hoffman, Lisa. Spaces of Danger: Culture and Power in the Everyday, Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press. p. 196 {{Blockquote|text=after 2010… Shekau, believed that jihad was obligatory and that not actively joining his jihad was tantamount to apostasy. This did not mean Shekau actively killed anyone after he announced jihad and renamed the group "JAS" in 2010. Rather, there was a "priority scale" with Christians, the government and publicly anti-JAS Muslim preachers targeted first. This also meant any Muslims killed collaterally were not a concern since they were "guilty" for not having joined his jihad. …[by] October 2010, …assassinations targeting Muslim religious leaders, especially Salafists who opposed JAS's religious interpretation, as well as civil servants, became an almost weekly occurrence in northeastern Nigeria. In addition to this, prisons, banks, mosques, churches and beer halls also were common targets of attack.}}

File:Boko Haram logo (2002–15).png

{{Further|Fourth Nigerian Republic}}

Before it was colonized and subsequently incorporated into the British Empire as Colonial Nigeria in 1900, the Bornu Empire ruled the territory where Boko Haram is currently active. It was a sovereign sultanate run according to the principles of the Constitution of Medina, with a majority Kanuri Muslim population. In 1903, both the Borno Emirate and Sokoto Caliphate had come under British rule. At this time, Christian missionaries spread the Christian message in the region and converted a large segment of the Nigerian populace.Helen Chapin Metz, ed., [http://countrystudies.us/nigeria/ "Influence of Christian Missions"], Nigeria: A Country Study, Washington: GPO for the Library of Congress, 1991. Retrievaed 18 April 2012. British rule ended when Nigeria was granted independence in 1960.{{cite book |author=Martin Meredith |title=The State of Africa: A History of the Continent Since Independence |date=2011|chapter=5. Winds of Change|edition=illustrated |publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=9780857203892|page=77|author-link=Martin Meredith |title-link=The State of Africa: A History of the Continent Since Independence }}

Except for a brief period of civilian rule between 1979 and 1983, Nigeria was governed by a series of military dictatorships from 1966 until the advent of democracy in 1999.

According to the Borno Sufi Imam Sheik Fatahi, Yusuf was trained by the Kano Salafi Izala Sheik Ja'afar Mahmud Adamu, who called him the "leader of young people"; the two split some time in 2002–2004. They both preached in Maiduguri's Indimi Mosque, which was attended by the deputy governor of Borno.Gérard L. F. Chouin, Religion and bodycount in the Boko Haram crisis: evidence from the Nigeria Watch database, p. 214. {{ISBN|978-90-5448-135-5}}. Many of the group were reportedly inspired by Mohammed Marwa, known as Maitatsine ("He who curses others"), a self-proclaimed prophet (annabi, a Hausa word usually used only to describe the founder of Islam) born in Northern Cameroon who condemned the reading of books other than the Quran. In a 2009 BBC interview, Yusuf, expressed similarly pre-modern ideas on evolution, a flat earth, and rain sent directly from God rather than evaporation. Followers of Maitatsine "wreaked havoc" in northern cities of Nigeria "off and on" from 1980 to 1985.{{cite book |last1=Thurston |first1=Alexander |title=Search Results Boko Haram: The History of an African Jihadist Movement |date=2019 |publisher=Princeton University Press |page=24 |isbn=9780691197081 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KcmXDwAAQBAJ&dq=Wilayat+Gharb+Ifriqiyya&pg=PA17 |access-date=8 March 2021}}

Ethnic militancy is thought to have been one of the causes of the 1967–1970 civil war; religious violence reached a new height in 1980 in Kano, the largest city in the north of the country, where the Muslim fundamentalist sect Yan Tatsine ("followers of Maitatsine") instigated riots that resulted in four or five thousand deaths.

In the ensuing military crackdown, Maitatsine was killed, fuelling a backlash of increased violence that spread across other northern cities over the next twenty years.{{cite web |url=http://www.issafrica.org/iss-today/why-nigeria-needs-a-criminal-tribunal-and-not-amnesty-for-boko-haram |title=Why Nigeria needs a criminal tribunal and not amnesty for Boko Haram |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |author=Martin Ewi |date=24 June 2013 |access-date=30 July 2014}} Social inequality and poverty contributed both to the Maitatsine and Boko Haram uprisings.{{rp|97–98}}

In the decades since the end of British rule, politicians and academics from the mainly Islamic North have expressed their fundamental opposition to Western education. Political ethno-religious interest groups, whose membership includes influential political, military and religious leaders, have thrived in Nigeria, though they were largely suppressed under military rule. Their paramilitary wings, formed since the country's return to civilian rule, have been implicated in much of the sectarian violence in the years following. The Arewa People's Congress, the militia wing of the Arewa Consultative Forum, the main political group representing the interests of northern Nigeria, is a well-funded group with military and intelligence expertise and is considered capable of engaging in military action, including covert bombing.{{cite web |last1=Ross |first1=Kirk |title=Revolt in the North: Interpreting Boko Haram's war on western education |url=https://africanarguments.org/2014/05/revolt-in-the-north-interpreting-boko-harams-war-on-western-education-by-kirk-ross/ |website=African Arguments |date=19 May 2014}}

Mohammed Yusuf founded the sect that became known as Boko Haram in 2002 in Maiduguri, the capital of the north-eastern state of Borno. He established a religious complex and school that attracted poor Muslim families from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The center had the political goal of creating an Islamic state, and became a recruiting ground for jihadis. By denouncing the police and state corruption, Yusuf attracted followers from unemployed youth.{{cite news |first=Farouk |last=Chothia |title=Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists? |date=11 January 2012 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13809501 |work=BBC News |access-date=25 January 2012}}{{cite news |url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report/93250/Analysis-Understanding-Nigeria-s-Boko-Haram-radicals |title=Analysis: Understanding Nigeria's Boko Haram radicals |publisher=www.irinnews.org |date=18 July 2011 |access-date=12 March 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/erasmus/2014/05/islam-west-and-nigeria |title=Whose faith, whose girls? |newspaper=The Economist}} He is reported to have used the existing infrastructure of the Izala Society (Jama'at Izalatil Bidiawa Iqamatus Sunnah), a popular conservative Islamic sect, to recruit members, before breaking away to form his own faction. The Izala were originally welcomed into government, along with people sympathetic to Yusuf. Boko Haram conducted its operations more or less peacefully during the first seven years of its existence, withdrawing from society into remote north-eastern areas, believing it was important to develop strength before waging jihad.{{cite journal |last1=Zenna |first1=Jacob |last2=Pierib |first2=Zacharias |title=How much Takfir is too much Takfir? The Evolution of Boko Haram's Factionalization. |journal=Journal for Deradicalization |date=Summer 2017 |issue=11 |pages=281–303 |url=https://journals.sfu.ca/jd/index.php/jd/article/download/107/90 |access-date=6 March 2021 |issn=2363-9849}} The government repeatedly ignored warnings about the increasingly militant character of the organization.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/aug/02/nigeria-boko-haram-islamist-sect |title=Nigeria accused of ignoring sect warnings before wave of killings |date=2 August 2009 |access-date=6 August 2009 |work=The Guardian|location=London}} The Council of Ulama advised the government and the Nigerian Television Authority not to broadcast Yusuf's preaching, but their warnings were ignored. Yusuf's arrest elevated him to hero status. Stephen Davis, a former Anglican clergyman who has negotiated with Boko Haram many times blames local Nigerian politicians who support local bandits like Boko Haram in order for them to make life difficult for their political opponents. In particular Davis has blamed the former governor of Borno State Ali Modu Sheriff, who initially supported Boko Haram, but no longer needed them after the 2007 elections and stopped funding them. Sheriff denies the accusations.{{cite news|last1=Lamb|first1=Christina|title=A fight for the soul of the world|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/public/magazine/article1680538.ece|access-date=23 March 2016|newspaper=Sunday Times|date=20 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129233128/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/public/magazine/article1680538.ece |archive-date=2016-11-29}}

Boko Haram and ISIL were initially allies. However, the two groups became enemies due to territorial disputes, because ISIL tried to conquer the zones which were under Boko Haram's control.

In July 2014, Shekau released a 16-minute video in which he voiced his support for ISIL's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, al-Qaeda's leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and the Afghan Taliban's leader Mullah Omar.{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/africa/2014/07/13/Boko-Haram-voices-support-for-ISIS-Baghdadi.html |title=Boko Haram voices support for ISIS' Baghdadi |website=English.alarabiya.net |date=13 July 2014 |access-date=2016-05-22}} In March 2015, Shekau pledged allegiance to ISIS self-styled caliph Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi and became "West African Province" (Wilayat Garb Ifriqiyah), i.e. the West African province of the Islamic State. However, in August 2016, Al-Baghdadi replaced Shekau with Abu Musab al-Barnawi, the son of the Boko Haram's previous leader Muhammad Yusuf, their motivation (at least according to one source) being to trim back Shekau's tendency to apply takfir (accusations of apostasy) to "all mainstream Muslims".{{cite journal |last1=Zenna |first1=Jacob |last2=Pierib |first2=Zacharias |title=How much Takfir is too much Takfir? The Evolution of Boko Haram's Factionalization. |journal=Journal for Deradicalization |date=Summer 2017 |issue=11 |page=282 |url=https://journals.sfu.ca/jd/index.php/jd/article/download/107/90 |access-date=6 March 2021 |issn=2363-9849}}

Shortly before Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIL, the Nigerian government launched the 2015 West African offensive during which Boko Haram lost most of the territory which it had occupied over time. Following this offensive, the group retreated to the Sambisa Forest and commenced its guerilla warfare tactics.

In August 2016, ISIL attempted to remove Shekau from his leadership role and replace him with Abu Musab al-Barnawi. ISIL attempted to remove Shekau because he had disobeyed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's order to cease targeting Muslim civilians. Shekau rejected the move, leading to a split between the groups. As of 2017, there were three factions which were all Boko Haram in origin, all rejecting "democracy, secularism and Western influence", and seeking to establish an Islamic state implementing sharia. These were the "West African Province" which is part of ISIL; "Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād" (Boko Haram), under Shekau's control; and "Ansaru" which is loyal to al-Qaeda and rejected the caliphate of al-Bagdadi, though it shares his disapproval of the "wide-reaching interpretation of takfir" of Shekau.{{cite journal |last1=Zenna |first1=Jacob |last2=Pierib |first2=Zacharias |title=How much Takfir is too much Takfir? The Evolution of Boko Haram's Factionalization. |journal=Journal for Deradicalization |date=Summer 2017 |issue=11 |pages=283–4 |url=https://journals.sfu.ca/jd/index.php/jd/article/download/107/90 |access-date=6 March 2021 |issn=2363-9849}}

Since 2018, there has been a major spike in attacks by Boko Haram, (concentrated in Borno State), which sought to prove Boko Haram to be the prevalent terror group in the country. Attacks by Boko Haram resulted in over 1700 fatalities in the first half of 2019, including casualties of its own members.{{Cite web|url=https://www.americansecurityproject.org/dont-forget-about-boko-haram-a-2019-update/|title=Don't Forget About Boko Haram: A 2019 Update|first=Cat|last=Cronin|date=24 Jun 2019|website=American Security Project|language=en|access-date=2020-04-03}} When climate change-induced poverty and violence struck the Lake Chad basin, the terrorist organization was able to recruit in large numbers by offering small loans{{Cite web|url=https://odihpn.org/magazine/the-evolution-and-impact-of-boko-haram-in-the-lake-chad-basin/|title=The evolution and impact of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin|website=Humanitarian Practice Network|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-04-03|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023031629/https://odihpn.org/magazine/the-evolution-and-impact-of-boko-haram-in-the-lake-chad-basin/|url-status=dead}} and promising big rewards.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-35898319/boko-haram-recruits-were-promised-lots-of-money|title=Boko Haram recruits 'promised money'|work=BBC News |language=en|access-date=2020-04-03}} It also continues to kidnap and force young boys to join them.{{Cite web|url=https://www.counterextremism.com/threat/boko-haram|title=Boko Haram|website=Counter Extremism Project|language=en|access-date=2020-04-03}} Boko Haram is better equipped with drones, weapons and vehicles captured from and sometimes abandoned by Nigerian military during ambush.{{Cite news|last=Searcey|first=Dionne|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/13/world/africa/nigeria-boko-haram.html|title=Boko Haram Is Back. With Better Drones.|date=2019-09-13|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-04-03|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} To better fortify itself, Nigerian military has concentrated the rural population in its garrison towns. This has allowed Boko Haram to operate freely in the countryside. In 2019 they were believed to be back in control of 4 out of 10 zones of Borno State.

For at least four years since the split happened, the two groups were not enemies and sometimes co-operated in some terror attacks. However, Boko Haram and ISWAP later became enemies since 2021 or even a year before. ISWAP gunmen targeted Shekau in an attack carried out on May 20, 2021. Several Boko Haram members were killed in the operation, while Shekau blew himself up, or tried to do so, in order to avoid a capture. It was the first major clash between the two groups.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/20/boko-haram-leader-abubakar-shekau-nigeria-forest?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other |title=Boko Haram leader tried to kill himself during clash with rivals, officials claim |website=The Guardian|first=Jason|last=Burke|last2= Akinwotu|first2=Emmanuel|date=20 May 2021 |access-date=2021-05-20}} His death was confirmed by his loyalists led by Sahalaba in June.{{cite web |url=http://saharareporters.com/2021/06/15/abubakar-shekaus-boko-haram-faction-confirms-death-leader-issues-fresh-threats |title= Abubakar Shekau's Boko Haram Faction Confirms Death Of Leader, Issues Fresh Threats |work=Sahara Reporters |date=15 June 2021 |access-date=9 December 2021 }}

{{Further|Boko Haram insurgency|Timeline of the Boko Haram insurgency}}

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. Critics accuse the Nigerian military of not properly equipping its soldiers to fight Boko Haram.{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Mark|title=Why January is Boko Haram's deadliest month|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42735414|access-date=23 February 2018|work=BBC News|date=2018}}{{cite news|author=Robyn Kriel|title=Boko Haram favors women, children as bombers: Study|url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/08/10/africa/boko-haram-women-children-suicide-bombers/index.html|access-date=23 February 2018|work=CNN|date=2018}}

File:Ni-map.png]]

{{Further|2009 Boko Haram uprising}}

In 2009, police began an investigation into the group, code-named Operation Flush.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} On 26 July, security forces arrested nine Boko Haram members and confiscated weapons and bomb-making equipment. Either this or a clash with police during a funeral procession led to revenge attacks on police and widespread rioting in Bauchi, Maiduguri, Potiskum in Yobe State and Wudil in Kano State. A joint military task force operation was launched in response. By 30 July, more than 700 people had been killed; police stations, prisons, government offices, schools and churches had been destroyed.{{rp|98–102}}{{cite web |author=Joe Bavier |url=http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/nigeria-boko-haram-terrorist-group-islam-christian-church-targets-youth-military |title=Nigeria: Boko Haram 101 |website=Pulitzercenter.org |date=15 January 2012 |access-date=9 March 2012 |archive-date=23 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823110758/http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/nigeria-boko-haram-terrorist-group-islam-christian-church-targets-youth-military |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/world/africa/28nigeria.html?scp=6&sq=nigeria&st=cse |title=Scores Die as Fighters Battle Nigerian Police|last=Nossiter|first=Adam |date=27 July 2009 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=22 January 2012}} Yusuf was arrested, and died in custody "while trying to escape". As had been the case decades earlier in the wake of the 1980 Kano riots, the killing of the leader of an extremist group would have unintended consequences. He was succeeded by Abubakar Shekau, formerly his second-in-command.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8177451.stm |title=Nigeria sect head dies in custody |publisher=BBC News |date=31 July 2009 |access-date=31 July 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/02/20102102505798741.html |title=Nigeria killings caught on video – Africa |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=10 February 2010 }}

{{main|Bauchi prison break}}

On 7 September, having regrouped under their new leader, Boko Haram broke 105 of its members out of prison in Bauchi along with over 600 other prisoners. The group went on to intensify their insurgency, launching many attacks in Nigeria, mostly in the north of the country.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/sep/25/boko-haram-timeline-nigeria |title=Boko Haram attacks – timeline |newspaper=The Guardian |date=25 September 2012 |access-date=30 July 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.issafrica.org/uploads/No31Feb2012.pdf |title=Peace and Security Council Report |publisher=ISS |date=February 2012 |access-date=30 July 2014}}

{{main|2010 Jos and Maiduguri attacks}}

On 24 December, Boko Haram detonated four bombs in Jos and attacked two churches in Maiduguri.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/dec/28/islamist-sect-responsibility-nigeria-attacks|title=Radical Islamist sect says it carried out Nigeria church attacks|agency=Associated Press|date=28 December 2010|website=The Guardian}}

{{main|December 2010 Abuja bombing}}

On 31 December, Boko Haram bombed a barracks in Abuja, killing four civilians.

{{main|2011 Abuja police headquarters bombing|2011 Abuja United Nations bombing}}

Under Shekau's leadership, the group continuously improved its operational capabilities. It launched a string of IED attacks against soft targets and its first vehicle-borne IED attack on 16 June 2011, killing six at Abuja's police headquarters. On 26 August, Boko Haram bombed the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Abuja, the first time they had struck a Western target. A spokesman claiming responsibility for the attack, in which 11 UN staff members died as well as 12 others, with more than 100 injured, warned of future planned attacks on U.S. and Nigerian government interests. Speaking soon after the U.S. embassy's announcement of the arrival in the country of the FBI, he went on to announce Boko Haram's terms for negotiation, i.e. the release of all imprisoned members. The increased sophistication of the group led observers to speculate that Boko Haram was affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which was active in Niger.{{cite news |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/08/un-house-bombing-why-we-struck-boko-haram/ |title=UN House bombing: Why we struck-Boko Haram |work=Vanguard (Nigeria) |author=Ndahi Marama |date=30 July 2014 |access-date=30 July 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-bombing-claim-idUSTRE77S3ZO20110829 |title=Islamist sect Boko Haram claims Nigerian U.N. bombing |work=Reuters|author=Ibrahim Mshelizza |date=29 August 2011 |access-date=30 July 2014 |archive-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808044128/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/29/us-nigeria-bombing-claim-idUSTRE77S3ZO20110829 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-bokoharam-idUSTRE80U0LR20120131 |title=Special Report: Boko Haram — between rebellion and jihad |work=Reuters|author=Joe Brock |date=31 January 2012 |access-date=3 August 2014 |archive-date=18 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118104725/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/31/us-nigeria-bokoharam-idUSTRE80U0LR20120131 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-bokoharam-idUSTRE80U0LR20120131 |title=Special Report: Boko Haram – between rebellion and jihad |work=Reuters|access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-date=18 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118104725/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/31/us-nigeria-bokoharam-idUSTRE80U0LR20120131 |url-status=live }}

Boko Haram has maintained a steady rate of attacks since 2011, striking a wide range of targets, multiple times per week. They have attacked politicians, religious leaders, security forces and civilian targets. The tactic of suicide bombing, used in the two attacks in the capital – on the police and UN headquarters – was new to Nigeria. In Africa as a whole, it had only been used by al-Shabaab in Somalia and to a lesser extent AQIM.{{cite web |url=http://www.nctc.gov/site/groups/boko_haram.html |title=Counterterrorism 2014 Calendar |publisher=The National Counterterrorism Center |date=2014 |access-date=30 July 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://africanarguments.org/2012/03/09/boko-haram-%E2%80%93-more-complicated-than-you-think-%E2%80%93-by-richard-dowden/ |title=Boko Haram – More Complicated Than You Think |publisher=Africa Arguments |author=Richard Dowden |date=9 March 2012 |access-date=1 August 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810152033/http://africanarguments.org/2012/03/09/boko-haram-%E2%80%93-more-complicated-than-you-think-%E2%80%93-by-richard-dowden/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-rise-of-boko-haram-in-nigeria |title=The Rise of Boko Haram in Nigeria |publisher=Combating Terrorism Center |author=David Cook |date=26 September 2011 |access-date=1 August 2014 |archive-date=25 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125002843/http://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-rise-of-boko-haram-in-nigeria |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2013/12/boko-haram-attacks-an-air-base-nigeria-2013123164011457106.html |title=Boko Haram attacks an air base in Nigeria |publisher=Al Jazeera|date=3 December 2013 |access-date=30 July 2014}}

{{main|2011 Nigerian presidential election|May 2011 Nigeria bombings}}

Within hours of Goodluck Jonathan's presidential inauguration on 29 May 2011, Boko Haram carried out a series of bombings in Bauchi, Zaria and Abuja. The most successful of these was the attack on the army barracks in Bauchi. A spokesman for the group told BBC Hausa that the attack had been carried out, as a test of loyalty, by serving members of the military hoping to join the group. This charge was later refuted by an army spokesman who claimed: "This is not a banana republic". However, on 8 January 2012 the president said that Boko Haram had infiltrated both the army and the police, as well as the executive, parliamentary and legislative branches of government. Boko Haram's spokesman also claimed responsibility for the killing outside his home in Maiduguri of the politician Abba Anas Ibn Umar Garbai, the younger brother of the Shehu of Borno, who was the second most prominent Muslim in the country after the Sultan of Sokoto. He added: "We are doing what we are doing to fight injustice, if they stop their satanic ways of doing things and the injustices, we would stop what we are doing".{{cite web |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/06/boko-haram-claims-responsibility-for-bomb-blasts-in-bauchi-maiduguri/ |title=Boko Haram claims responsibility for bomb blasts in Bauchi, Maiduguri |work=Vanguard (Nigeria) |date=1 June 2011 |access-date=31 July 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.punchng.com/news/boko-haram-has-infiltrated-my-govt-jonathan/ |title=Boko Haram has infiltrated my govt –Jonathan |work=Punch |author=Olalekan Adetayo |date=9 January 2012 |access-date=6 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808043607/http://www.punchng.com/news/boko-haram-has-infiltrated-my-govt-jonathan/ |archive-date=8 August 2014}}

This was one of several political and religious assassinations Boko Haram carried out that year, with the presumed intention of correcting what they say are injustices in the group's home state of Borno. Meanwhile, the trail of massacres continued relentlessly, apparently leading the country towards civil war. By the end of 2011, these conflicting strategies led observers to question the group's cohesion; comparisons were drawn with the diverse motivations of the militant factions of the oil-rich Niger Delta. Adding to the confusion, in November the State Security Service announced that four criminal syndicates were operating under the name Boko Haram.{{cite web |url=https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-rise-of-boko-haram-in-nigeria |title=The Rise of Boko Haram in Nigeria |publisher=Combating Terrorism Center |author=David Cook |date=26 September 2011 |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=25 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125002843/http://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-rise-of-boko-haram-in-nigeria |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/02/opinion/in-nigeria-boko-haram-is-not-the-problem.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |title=In Nigeria, Boko Haram Is Not the Problem |newspaper=The New York Times |author=Jean Herskovits |date=2 January 2012 |access-date=3 August 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://africanarguments.org/2012/01/19/boko-haram-the-answer-to-terror-lies-in-providing-more-meaningful-human-security-by-olly-owen/ |title=Boko Haram: Answering Terror With More Meaningful Human Security |publisher=African Arguments |author=Olly Owen |date=19 January 2012 |access-date=1 August 2014}}

The common theme throughout the northeast was the targeting of police, who were regularly killed at work or in drive-by shootings at their homes, either in revenge for the killing of Yusuf, or as representatives of the state apparatus, or for no particular reason. Five officers were arrested for Yusuf's murder, which had no noticeable effect on the level of unrest. Opportunities for criminal enterprise flourished. Hundreds of police were dead and more than 60 police stations had been attacked by mid-2012. The government's response to this self-reinforcing trend towards insecurity was to invest heavily in security equipment, spending $5.5 billion, 20 per cent of their overall budget, on bomb detection units, communications and transport; and $470 million on a Chinese CCTV system for Abuja, which has failed in its purpose of detecting or deterring acts of terror.{{cite web |url=http://africanarguments.org/2012/01/19/boko-haram-the-answer-to-terror-lies-in-providing-more-meaningful-human-security-by-olly-owen/ |title=Boko Haram: Answering Terror With More Meaningful Human Security |publisher=African Arguments |author=Olly Owen |date=19 January 2012 |access-date=31 July 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://icinspector.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Nigeria-March-20121.pdf |title=Review of the January 2012 UK Border Information Service Nigeria Country of Origin Information Report |publisher=Independent Advisory Group on Country Information |author=Gernot Klantschnig |date=February 2012 |access-date=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016235722/http://icinspector.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Nigeria-March-20121.pdf |archive-date=16 October 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2012humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204153#wrapper |title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012 |publisher=U.S. Department of State |author=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor |access-date=4 August 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/10/11/nigeria-boko-haram-attacks-likely-crimes-against-humanity |title=Nigeria: Boko Haram Attacks Likely Crimes Against Humanity |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=11 October 2012 |access-date=4 August 2014}}{{cite web |last1=Isine |first1=Ibanga |title=High-level corruption rocks $470million CCTV project that could secure Abuja |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/163975-high-level-corruption-rocks-470million-cctv-project-secure-abuja.html#sthash.rEA1DWAX.dpbs |website=Premium Times Nigeria |date=27 June 2014}}

The election defeat of former military dictator Muhammadu Buhari increased ethno-religious political tensions, as it broke the terms of a tacit agreement that the presidency would alternate after two terms of office between candidates from the Christian south and Muslim north of the country. Sectarian riots engulfed the twelve northern states of the country during the three days following the election, leaving more than 800 dead and 65,000 displaced.

{{main|November 2011 Nigeria attacks}} {{main|Christmas 2011 Nigeria attacks}} {{main|December 2011 Nigeria clashes}}

The subsequent campaign of violence by Boko Haram culminated in a string of bombings across the country on Christmas Day. In the outskirts of Abuja, 37 died in a church that had its roof blown off. One resident commented, "Cars were in flames and bodies littered everywhere", a phrase commonly repeated in international press reports about the bombings. Similar Christmas events had been reported in previous years. Jonathan declared a state of emergency on New Year's Eve in local government areas of Jos, Borno, Yobe and Niger and closed the international border in the north-east.{{cite web |title=Coordinated bomb attacks across Nigeria kill at least 40 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/8977585/Coordinated-bomb-attacks-across-Nigeria-kill-at-least-40.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/8977585/Coordinated-bomb-attacks-across-Nigeria-kill-at-least-40.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=The Telegraph|date=25 December 2011 }}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |last1=Nossiter |first1=Adam |title=Nigerian Group Escalates Violence With Church Attacks (Published 2011) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/world/africa/explosion-rips-through-catholic-church-in-nigeria.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |website=The New York Times |date=25 December 2011}}{{cite web |title=Christmas Day bombings in Nigeria kill at least 39, radical Muslim sect claims responsibility |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/christmas-day-bombings-nigeria-kill-25-radical-muslim-sect-claims-responsibility-article-1.996711 |website=nydailynews.com|date=25 December 2011 }}{{cite web |title=At least 40 dead bodies removed from church near Abuja, with four more attacks reported in other locations |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2011/12/26/nigeria-churches-hit-by-blasts |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Christmas bombings kill many near Jos, Nigeria |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-12077944 |website=BBC News |date=25 December 2010}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-emergency-idUSL6E7NV07T20111231 |title=Nigeria's Jonathan declares state of emergency |work=Reuters|author=Felix Onuah |author2=Tim Cocks |date=31 December 2011 |access-date=1 August 2014 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119033209/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/31/us-nigeria-emergency-idUSL6E7NV07T20111231 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16579001 |title=Nigerian fuel subsidy: Strike suspended |publisher=BBC News |date=16 January 2012 |access-date=1 August 2014}}{{cite web |title=Nigeria: Post-Election Violence Killed 800 |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2011/05/16/nigeria-post-election-violence-killed-800 |website=Human Rights Watch |language=en |date=16 May 2011}}{{cite book|author1=Toyin Falola|author2=Matthew M. Heaton|title=A History of Nigeria|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XygZjbNRap0C&pg=PA297|date=24 April 2008|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-139-47203-6|page=277}}

Three days later they began a series of mostly small-scale attacks on Christians and members of the Igbo ethnic group, causing hundreds to flee. In Kano, on 20 January, they carried out by far their most deadly action yet, an assault on police buildings, killing 190. One of the victims was a TV reporter. The attacks included a combined use of car bombs, suicide bombers and IEDs, supported by uniformed gunmen.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/9062825/Al-Qaedas-hand-in-Boko-Harams-deadly-Nigerian-attacks.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/9062825/Al-Qaedas-hand-in-Boko-Harams-deadly-Nigerian-attacks.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Al-Qaeda's hand in Boko Haram's deadly Nigerian attacks |newspaper=The Telegraph|author=David Blair |date=5 February 2012 |access-date=3 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-idUSTRE80L0A020120122 |title=Islamist insurgents kill over 178 in Nigeria's Kano |work=Reuters|author=Mike Oboh |date=22 January 2012 |access-date=3 August 2014 |archive-date=17 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017234023/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/22/us-nigeria-violence-idUSTRE80L0A020120122 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/23/nigerians-pray-suicide-bombers-victims |title=Nigerians offer prayers in Kano for suicide bombers' victims |newspaper=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press |date= 23 January 2012 |access-date=3 August 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16658493 |title=Nigeria's Kano rocked by multiple explosions |publisher=BBC News |date=21 January 2012 |access-date=3 August 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/boko-haram-fleeing-yobe-christians-become-refugees-in-jos/ |title=Boko Haram: Fleeing Yobe Christians |work=Vanguard (Nigeria) |author=Taye Obateru |author2=Grateful Dakat |date=22 January 2012 |access-date=3 August 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/01/23/nigeria-boko-haram-widens-terror-campaign |title=Nigeria: Boko Haram Widens Terror Campaign |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=2 August 2014}}

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch published reports in 2012 that were widely quoted by government agencies and the media, based on research conducted over the course of the conflict in the worst affected areas of the country. The NGOs were critical of both security forces and Boko Haram. HRW stated "Boko Haram should immediately cease all attacks, and threats of attacks, that cause loss of life, injury, and destruction of property. The Nigerian government should take urgent measures to address the human rights abuses that have helped fuel the violent militancy". According to the 2012 US Department of State Country Report on Human Rights Practices:{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/10/11/nigeria-boko-haram-attacks-likely-crimes-against-humanity |title=Nigeria: Boko Haram Attacks Likely Crimes Against Humanity |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=11 October 2012 |access-date=6 August 2014}}

{{blockquote|[S]erious human rights problems included extrajudicial killings by security forces, including summary executions; security force torture, rape, and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of prisoners, detainees, and criminal suspects; harsh and life-threatening prison and detention center conditions; arbitrary arrest and detention; prolonged pretrial detention; denial of fair public trial; executive influence on the judiciary; infringements on citizens' privacy rights; restrictions on freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, and movement.

On 9 October, witnesses in Maiduguri claimed members of the JTF "Restore Order" [a vigilante group], based in Maiduguri, went on a killing spree after a suspected Boko Haram bomb killed an officer. Media reported the JTF killed 20 to 45 civilians and razed 50 to 100 houses in the neighborhood. The JTF commander in Maiduguri denied the allegations. On 2 November, witnesses claimed the JTF shot and killed up to 40 people during raids in Maiduguri. The army claimed it dismissed some officers from the military as a result of alleged abuses committed in Maiduguri, but there were no known formal prosecutions in Maiduguri by year's end.

Credible reports also indicated ... uniformed military personnel and paramilitary mobile police carried out summary executions, assaults, torture, and other abuses throughout Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, and Yobe states ... The national police, army, and other security forces committed extrajudicial killings and used lethal and excessive force to apprehend criminals and suspects, as well as to disperse protesters. Authorities generally did not hold police accountable for the use of excessive or deadly force or for the deaths of persons in custody. Security forces generally operated with impunity in the illegal apprehension, detention, and sometimes extrajudicial execution of criminal suspects. The reports of state or federal panels of inquiry investigating suspicious deaths remained unpublished.

There were no new developments in the case of five police officers accused of executing Muhammad Yusuf in 2009 at a state police headquarters. In July 2011, authorities arraigned five police officers in the federal high court in Abuja for the murder of Yusuf. The court granted bail to four of the officers, while one remained in custody.

Police use of excessive force, including use of live ammunition, to disperse demonstrators resulted in numerous killings during the year. For example, although the January fuel subsidy demonstrations generally remained peaceful, security forces reportedly fired on protesters in various states across the country during those demonstrations, resulting in 10 to 15 deaths and an unknown number of wounded.

Despite some improvements resulting from the closure of police checkpoints in many parts of the country, states with an increased security presence due to the activities of Boko Haram experienced a rise in violence and lethal force at police and military roadblocks.

Continuing abductions of civilians by criminal groups occurred in the Niger Delta and Southeast ... Police and other security forces were often implicated in the kidnapping schemes.

Although the constitution and law prohibit such practices and provide for punishment of such abuses, torture is not criminalized, and security service personnel, including police, military, and State Security Service (SSS) officers, regularly tortured, beat, and abused demonstrators, criminal suspects, detainees, and convicted prisoners. Police mistreated civilians to extort money. The law prohibits the introduction into trials of evidence and confessions obtained through torture; however, police often used torture to extract confessions.{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2012humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204153#wrapper|title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012|publisher=US Department of State|author=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor|date=2012|access-date=7 August 2014}}|sign=|source=}}

File:Lakechad map.png]]

Nigeria's Borno State, where Boko Haram is based, adjoins Lake Chad as do Niger, Cameroon and the country of Chad. The conflict and refugees spilled over the national borders to involve all four countries.

In 2013, Boko Haram increased operations in Northern Cameroon, and were involved in skirmishes along the borders of Chad and Niger. They were linked to a number of kidnappings, often reportedly in association with the splinter group Ansaru, drawing towards them a higher level of international attention.

The U.S. Bureau of Counterterrorism provides the following summary of Boko Haram's 2013 foreign operations:

{{blockquote|In February 2013, Boko Haram was responsible for kidnapping seven French tourists in the far north of Cameroon. In November 2013, Boko Haram members kidnapped a French priest in Cameroon. In December 2013, Boko Haram gunmen reportedly attacked civilians in several areas of northern Cameroon. Security forces from Chad and Niger also reportedly partook in skirmishes against suspected Boko Haram members along Nigeria's borders. In 2013, the group also kidnapped eight French citizens in northern Cameroon and obtained ransom payments for their release.}}

Boko Haram has often managed to evade the Nigerian Army by retreating into the hills around the border with Cameroon, whose army is apparently unwilling to confront them. Nigeria, Chad and Niger had formed a Multinational Joint Task Force in 1998. In February 2012, Cameroon signed an agreement with Nigeria to establish a Joint Trans-Border Security Committee, which was inaugurated in November 2013, when Cameroon announced plans to conduct "coordinated but separate" border patrols in 2014. It convened again in July 2014 to further improve cooperation between the two countries.{{cite news |url=http://www.irinnews.org/report/99174/with-cross-border-attacks-boko-haram-threat-widens |title=With cross-border attacks, Boko Haram threat widens |publisher=IRIN |date=21 November 2013 |access-date=7 August 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-boko-haram-idUSKBN0EA1LE20140530 |title=Cameroon weakest link in fight against Boko Haram |work=Reuters|author=Tim Cocks |date=30 May 2014 |access-date=7 August 2014 |archive-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808062200/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/30/us-nigeria-boko-haram-idUSKBN0EA1LE20140530 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Nigeria-Cameroon security committee meets |url=http://m.news24.com/nigeria/National/News/Nigeria-Cameroon-security-committee-meets-20140707 |newspaper=Nigeria |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810123040/http://m.news24.com/nigeria/National/News/Nigeria-Cameroon-security-committee-meets-20140707 |archive-date=2014-08-10}}{{cite web |title=2nd session of Nigeria/Cameroon Trans-Border Security Committee meets in Abuja |url=http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/07/2nd-session-nigeriacameroon-trans-border-security-committee-meets-abuja/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809232618/http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/07/2nd-session-nigeriacameroon-trans-border-security-committee-meets-abuja/ |archive-date=2014-08-09}}{{cite news |title=Nigeria: FG Inaugurates Nigeria-Cameroon Trans-Border Security Committee |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201302060270.html |newspaper=Allafrica.com}}

In late 2013, Amnesty International received 'credible' information that over 950 inmates had died in custody, mostly in detention centres in Maiduguri and Damaturu, within the first half of the year. Official state corruption was also documented in December 2013 by the UK Home Office:{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news/nigeria-deaths-hundreds-boko-haram-suspects-custody-requires-investigation-2013-10-15 |title=Nigeria: Deaths of hundreds of Boko Haram suspects in custody requires investigation |publisher=Amnesty International |date=15 October 2013 |access-date=7 August 2014 |archive-date=1 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601172355/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/nigeria-deaths-hundreds-boko-haram-suspects-custody-requires-investigation-2013-10-15 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/310454/Nigeria_operational_guidance_2013.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808100106/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/310454/Nigeria_operational_guidance_2013.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-08-08 |title=Operational Guidance Note |publisher=Home Office |date=December 2013 |access-date=6 August 2014}}

{{blockquote|The NPF [Nigeria Police Force], SSS, and military report to civilian authorities; however, these security services periodically act outside of civilian control. The government lack effective mechanisms to investigate and punish abuse and corruption. The NPF remain susceptible to corruption, commit human rights abuses, and generally operate with impunity in the apprehension, illegal detention, and sometimes execution of criminal suspects. The SSS also commit human rights abuses, particularly in restricting freedom of speech and press. In some cases private citizens or the government brought charges against perpetrators of human rights abuses in these units. However, most cases lingered in court or went unresolved after an initial investigation.}}

The state of emergency was extended in May 2013 to cover the whole of the three north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, raising tensions in the region. In the 12 months following the announcement, 250,000 fled the three states, followed by a further 180,000 between May and August 2014. A further 210,000 fled from bordering states, bringing the total displaced by the conflict to 650,000. Many thousands left the country. An August 2014 Amnesty International video showed Army and allied militia executing people, including by slitting their throats, and dumping their corpses in mass graves.{{cite web |url=http://www.informationng.com/2014/08/650000-nigerians-displaced-following-boko-haram-attacks-un.html |title=650,000 Nigerians Displaced Following Boko Haram Attacks – UN |publisher=Information Nigeria |date=5 August 2014 |access-date=7 August 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://www.unhcr.org/536ca0f79.html |title=Refugees fleeing attacks in north eastern Nigeria, UNHCR watching for new displacement |newspaper=UNHCR |author=Adrian Edwards |date=9 May 2014 |access-date=7 August 2014}}{{cite web |last1=Onu |first1=Emele |title=Amnesty Says 'Gruesome' Nigerian Footage Shows War Crimes |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-05/amnesty-says-gruesome-nigerian-footage-shows-war-crimes |website=Bloomberg.com |language=en |date=5 August 2014}} According to Human Rights Watch, more than 130 villages and towns were attacked or controlled by the group.{{cite book|author=USA |chapter-url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2015/country-chapters/nigeria |title=World Report 2015: Nigeria {{pipe}} Human Rights Watch |chapter=World Report 2015: Nigeria |publisher=Hrw.org |date= 12 January 2015|access-date=2016-05-21}}

On 8 February, at least nine polio vaccinators were killed in shootings at two clinics in Kano.{{Cite news|date=2013-02-08|title=Nigeria polio vaccinators shot dead in Kano|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-21381773|access-date=2021-08-13}}

{{See also|2013 Baga massacre}}

On 16 and 17 April, a massacre of dozens of civilians as well as the destruction of hundreds of homes and businesses occurred in Baga, Borno, during a battle between Boko Haram and the Nigerian Army.

{{main|Konduga mosque shooting}}

On 11 August, Boko Haram killed 44 people in a mass shooting at a mosque in Konduga, Borno.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-23676872|title=Nigeria unrest: 'Boko Haram' gunmen kill 44 at mosque|work=BBC News |date=13 August 2013}}

{{main|January 2014 Maiduguri bombing}}

On 14 January, a car bombing in Maiduguri killed at least 17 people.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/1/14/deadly-car-bomb-strikes-nigerias-maiduguri|title=Deadly car bomb strikes Nigeria's Maiduguri|website=www.aljazeera.com}}

{{main|February 2014 Buni Yadi massacre}}

On 25 February, Boko Haram killed at least 59 males at the Federal Government College in Buni Yadi, Yobe. The school was attended by children aged 11 to 18.{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-26/scores-dead-in-boko-haram-nigeran-school-attack/5284250|title=Nigerian boarding school attack by Boko Haram gunmen leaves 59 pupils dead, officials say|newspaper=ABC News|date=25 February 2014 }}

Some boys were burned alive in their dormitories while those who managed to escape the fire were shot or knifed to death. Some female students were abducted while others were threatened with death if they did not quit school and get married. All of the school's buildings were burned to the ground.{{Cite web|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/west-africa/nigeria/nigeria-boko-haram-s-deadly-school-attack|title=Nigeria: Boko Haram's Deadly School Attack|website=www.crisisgroup.org|date=27 February 2014 }}

{{main|Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping}}

File:Michelle-obama-bringbackourgirls.jpg raising public awareness of the Chibok kidnapping]]

On 14–15 April, Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno. Shekau announced his intention of selling them into slavery. More than 50 escaped. The incident brought Boko Haram extended global media attention, much of it focused on the pronouncements of the U.S. Former First Lady Michelle Obama.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2014/05/michelle-obama-bringbackourgirls-106645.html|title=Michelle Obama's hashtag gamble|last=Epstein|first=Jennifer|website=Politico|date=13 May 2014 |language=en|access-date=2020-01-28}} Faced with condemnation for his perceived incompetence, as well as allegations from Amnesty International of state collusion, President Jonathan responded by hiring a Washington PR firm.{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/06/210204.htm |publisher=U.S. Department of State |title=Rewards for Justice – First Reward Offers for Terrorists in West Africa |date=3 June 2013}}{{cite web |title=Nigeria says 219 girls in Boko Haram kidnapping still missing |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/nigeria-says-219-girls-in-boko-haram-kidnapping-still-missing |website=Fox News |date=24 March 2015}}{{cite web |title=Nigeria kidnapped schoolgirls: Michelle Obama condemns abduction in |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/nigeria-kidnapped-schoolgirls-michelle-obama-delivers-weekly-presidential-address-condemning-abduction-9349085.html |website=The Independent |language=en |date=10 May 2014}}{{cite web |title=Jonathan's PR offensive backfires in Nigeria and abroad |url=https://news.yahoo.com/jonathans-pr-offensive-backfires-nigeria-abroad-131630710.html |website=news.yahoo.com|date=8 July 2014 }}{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Megan R. |title=Nigeria hires PR for Boko Haram fallout |url=https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/210635-nigeria-hires-pr-for-boko-haram-fallout |website=The Hill|language=en |date=26 June 2014}}{{cite web |title=Nigeria: Government knew of planned Boko Haram kidnapping but failed to act |url=https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/nigeria-government-knew-planned-boko-haram-kidnapping-failed-act |website=www.amnesty.org.uk}}{{cite web |title=Chibok Abduction: NANS Describes Jonathan As Incompetent |url=http://leadership.ng/news/378785/chibok-abduction-nans-describes-jonathan-incompetent |website=www.leadership.ng |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085022/http://leadership.ng/news/378785/chibok-abduction-nans-describes-jonathan-incompetent |archive-date=2014-08-19}}{{cite web |title=One month after Chibok girls' abduction |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/new/one-month-chibok-girls-abduction/ |website=www.thenationonlineng.net |date=15 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519072653/https://thenationonlineng.net/new/one-month-chibok-girls-abduction/ |archive-date=2014-05-19}}{{Excessive citations inline|date=May 2025}}

Parents of the missing girls and those who had escaped were kept waiting until July to meet with the president, which caused them concern. In October, the government announced the girls' imminent release, but the information proved unreliable. The announcement to the media of a peace agreement and the imminent release of all the missing girls was followed days later by a video message in which Shekau stated that no such meeting had taken place and that the girls had been "married off". The announcement to the media, unaccompanied by any evidence of the reality of the agreement, was thought by analysts to have been a political ploy by the president to raise his popularity before his confirmation of his candidacy in the 2015 general election. Earlier in the year, the girls' plight had featured on "#BringBackOurGirls" political campaign posters in the streets of the capital, which the president denied knowledge of and soon took down after news of criticism surfaced. These posters, which were interpreted, to the dismay of campaigners for the girls' recapture, as being designed to benefit from the fame of the kidnapping, had also been part of Jonathan's "pre-presidential campaign". In September, "#BringBackGoodluck2015" campaign posters again drew criticism.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-10/nigeria-s-president-jonathan-bans-bring-back-goodluck-campaign.html |title=Nigeria's President Jonathan Bans 'Bring Back Goodluck' Campaign |publisher=Bloomberg |author=Daniel Magnowski |date=10 September 2014 |access-date=20 November 2014}} The official announcement of the president's candidacy was made before cheering crowds in Abuja on 11 November.{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/nigeria-politics-idUKL6N0T136F20141111 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128193358/http://uk.reuters.com/article/nigeria-politics-idUKL6N0T136F20141111 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 January 2016 |title=Nigeria's Jonathan seeks second term, vows to beat Boko Haram |work=Reuters|author=Felix Onuah |date=11 November 2014 |access-date=11 November 2014}}

In February 2016, the organizations International Alert and UNICEF published a study revealing that girls and women released from Boko Haram captivity often face rejection upon returning to their communities and families, in part due to a culture of stigma around sexual violence.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/feb/16/women-freed-boko-haram-rejected-for-bringing-bad-blood-back-home-nigeria |title=Women freed from Boko Haram rejected for bringing 'bad blood' back home |newspaper=The Guardian |author=Liz Ford |date=16 February 2016|access-date=15 July 2016}}

{{main|May 2014 Buni Yadi attack}}

On 27 May, soldiers, police and civilians were killed in Buni Yadi.

{{main|July 2014 Maiduguri bombing}}

On 1 July, a van bombing in Maiduguri killed at least 56 people.

{{main|Battle of Konduga (2014)}}

On 12 September, the Nigerian Armed Forces won a battle against Boko Haram.

{{main|2014 Kano attack}}

On 28 November, over 120 Muslim worshippers were killed at the central mosque in Kano during Friday prayers.

File:Boko_Haram_vehicles_destroyed_by_Cameroon_in_Dec._2018.jpg

Boko Haram continued to increase its presence in northern Cameroon. On 16 May, ten Chinese workers were abducted in a raid on a construction company camp in Waza, near the Nigerian border. Vehicles and explosives were also taken in the raid, and one Cameroonian soldier was killed. Cameroon's anti-terrorist Rapid Intervention Battalion attempted to intervene but were vastly outnumbered.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304908304579567933126108684 |title=Chinese Workers Kidnapped by Suspected Boko Haram Militants in Cameroon |work=The Wall Street Journal |author=Emmanuel Tummanjong |date=17 May 2014 |access-date=20 December 2014}} In July, the deputy prime minister's home village was attacked by around 200 militants; his wife was kidnapped, along with the Sultan of Kolofata and his family. At least 15 people, including soldiers and police, were killed in the raid. The deputy prime minister's wife was subsequently released in October, along with 26 others including the ten Chinese construction workers who had been captured in May; authorities made no comment about any ransom, which the Cameroon government had previously claimed it never pays.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/boko-haram-releases-27-hostages-including-deputy-pms-wife-cameroon-says-9788845.html |title=Boko Haram releases 27 hostages including Deputy PM's wife, Cameroon says |work=The Independent|author=Natasha Culzac |date=11 October 2014 |access-date=20 December 2014}} In a separate attack, nine bus passengers and a soldier were shot dead and the son of a local chief was kidnapped. Hundreds of local youths are suspected to have been recruited. In August, the remote Nigerian border town of Gwoza was overrun and held by the group. In response to the increased militant activity, the Cameroonian president sacked two senior military officers and sent his army chief with 1000 reinforcements to the northern border region.{{cite news |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/boko-haram-plans-attacks-recruits-many-young-people/ |title=Boko Haram plans more attacks, recruits many young people |work=Vanguard (Nigeria) |date=8 August 2014 |access-date=8 August 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-28684302 |title='Islamist militants' kill 10 in northern Cameroon |publisher=BBC News |date=6 August 2014 |access-date=8 August 2014}}{{cite web |first=Umar|last=Haruna|title=Boko Haram takes Nigeria town, resident says |url=http://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-takes-nigeria-town-resident-says-172534738.html |website=Yahoo! News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018131556/http://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-takes-nigeria-town-resident-says-172534738.html |archive-date=2014-10-18}}

Between May and July 2014, 8,000 Nigerian refugees arrived in the country, up to 25 per cent suffering from acute malnutrition. Cameroon, which ranked 150 out of 186 on the 2012 UNDP HDI, hosted as of August 2014 107,000 refugees fleeing unrest in the CAR, a number that was expected to increase to 180,000 by the end of the year.{{cite web |title=Nigerian overnight refugees worry Cameroon |url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2013/12/24/nigerian-overnight-refugees-worry-cameroon |website=The New Humanitarian |language=en |date=24 December 2013}}{{cite web |title=Cameroon: Malnutrition Hits Children Arriving From Central African Republic |url=https://www.wfp.org/countries/cameroon |website=www.wfp.org |date=31 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Cameroon receives 8,000 refugees fleeing Boko Haram in Nigeria |url=http://tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/10497-cameroon-receives-8-000-refugees-fleeing-boko-haram-in-nigeria/10497-cameroon-receives-8-000-refugees-fleeing-boko-haram-in-nigeria |website=www.tribune.com.ng |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811211242/http://tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/10497-cameroon-receives-8-000-refugees-fleeing-boko-haram-in-nigeria/10497-cameroon-receives-8-000-refugees-fleeing-boko-haram-in-nigeria |archive-date=2014-08-11}} A further 11,000 Nigerian refugees crossed the border into Cameroon and Chad during August.{{cite web |title=UN agency, partners appeal for $34 million for Nigerian refugees |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2014/09/477572-un-agency-partners-appeal-34-million-nigerian-refugees#.VCKijPldVx8 |website=UN News |language=en |date=16 September 2014}}

{{Further|December 2014 Cameroon clashes}}

In the second half of December, the focus of activity switched to the Far North Region of Cameroon, beginning on the morning of 17 December when an army convoy was attacked with an IED and ambushed by hundreds of militants near the border town of Amchide, {{convert|40|mi|km|order=flip|sigfig=1}} north of the state capital Maroua. One soldier was confirmed dead, and an estimated 116 militants were killed in the attack, which was followed by another attack overnight with unknown casualties.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cameroon-boko-haram-idUSKBN0JW1GR20141218 |title=Cameroon army kills 116 Boko Haram militants, defense ministry says |work=Reuters|date=18 December 2014 |access-date=29 December 2014 |archive-date=29 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229080333/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/18/us-cameroon-boko-haram-idUSKBN0JW1GR20141218 |url-status=live }} On 22 December, the Rapid Intervention Battalion followed up with an attack on a Boko Haram training camp near Guirdivig, arresting 45 militants and seizing 84 children aged 7–15 who were undergoing training, according to a statement from Cameroon's Ministry of Defense. The militants fled in pick-up trucks carrying an unknown number of their dead; no information on army casualties was released.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cameroon-boko-haram-idUSKBN0K01IA20141222 |title=Cameroon army says dismantles Boko Haram training camp |work=Reuters|author=Tansa Musa |date=22 December 2014 |access-date=29 December 2014 |archive-date=29 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229080221/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/22/us-cameroon-boko-haram-idUSKBN0K01IA20141222 |url-status=live }} On 27–28 December, five villages were simultaneously attacked, and for the first time the Cameroon military launched air attacks when Boko Haram briefly occupied an army camp. Casualty figures were not released. According to Information Minister Issa Tchiroma: {{blockquote|Units of the group attacked Makari, Amchide, Limani and Achigachia in a change of strategy which consists of distracting Cameroonian troops on different fronts, making them more vulnerable in the face of the mobility and unpredictability of their attacks.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-cameroon-idUSKBN0K70PL20141229 |title=Cameroon says fights off Boko Haram attacks, kills 41 militants |work=Reuters|author=Tansa Musa |date=29 December 2014 |access-date=30 December 2014}}}}

File:Attentat Nyanya VOA2.jpg by Boko Haram in Nyanya, in April 2014]]

The attack on Gwoza signalled a change in strategy for Boko Haram, as the group continued to capture territory in north-eastern and eastern areas of Borno, as well as in Adamawa and Yobe. Attacks across the border were repelled by the Cameroon military.{{cite web |title=Boko Haram commander reportedly killed in clash with Nigerian forces |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/13/boko-haram-commander-reportedly-killed-in-clash-with-nigerian-forces |website=The Guardian |language=en |date=13 September 2014}} The territorial gains were officially denied by the Nigerian military. In a video obtained by the news agency AFP on 24 August, Shekau announced that Gwoza was now part of an Islamic caliphate.{{cite web |title=Nigeria and neighbours hold talks on Boko Haram's rapid advance |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/03/nigeria-talks-boko-haram-advance |website=The Guardian |language=en |date=3 September 2014}} The town of Bama, {{convert|45|mi|km|order=flip|round=5}} from the state capital Maiduguri, was reported to have been captured at the beginning of September, resulting in thousands of residents fleeing to Maiduguri, even as residents there were themselves attempting to flee.{{cite web |title=Boko Haram kills scores in raid on Nigerian town |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/02/boko-haram-nigeria-raid-bama-town |website=www.theguardian.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903165601/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/02/boko-haram-nigeria-raid-bama-town |archive-date=2014-09-03}} The military continued to deny Boko Haram's territorial gains, which were, however, confirmed by local vigilantes who had managed to escape. The militants were reportedly killing men and teenage boys in the town of over 250,000 inhabitants. Soldiers refused orders to advance on the occupied town; hundreds fled across the border into Cameroon, but were promptly repatriated. Fifty-four deserters were later sentenced to death by firing squad.{{cite web |title=Hundreds flee homes in northern Nigeria as Boko Haram move in |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/05/hundreds-flee-homes-nigeria-islamic-extremists-boko-haram |website=The Guardian |language=en |date=5 September 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/18/boko-haram-raid-nigerian-village-gumsuri |title=Women seized in Boko Haram raid on Nigerian village |work=The Guardian |author=Monica Mark |date=18 December 2014 |access-date=5 January 2015}}

On 17 October, the Chief of the Defence Staff announced that a ceasefire had been brokered, stating: "I have accordingly directed the service chiefs to ensure immediate compliance with this development in the field". Despite a lack of confirmation from the militants, the announcement was publicised in newspaper headlines worldwide. However, within 48 hours the same publications were reporting that Boko Haram attacks had continued unabated. It was reported that factionalisation would make such a deal particularly difficult to achieve.{{cite news |title=Nigeria aims to have abducted girls freed by Tuesday: government sources |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-girls-idUSKCN0I709520141018 |website=www.reuters.com |date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018141221/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/18/us-nigeria-girls-idUSKCN0I709520141018 |archive-date=2014-10-18}}{{cite web |title=Fears grow that Nigeria ceasefire won't secure girls' release amid fresh attacks |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/18/chibok-schoolgirls-may-free-tuesday-nigeria-boko-haram |website=The Guardian |language=en |date=18 October 2014}}{{cite web |title=Nigerian military, Boko Haram agree immediate ceasefire |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/169671-breaking-nigerian-military-boko-haram-agree-immediate-ceasefire.html |website=Premium Times Nigeria |date=17 October 2014}}

File:Nigeria-karte-politisch-adamawa.png within Adamawa State]]

On 29 October, Mubi, a town of 200,000 in Adamawa, fell to the militants, further undermining confidence in the peace talks. Thousands fled south to Adamawa's capital city, Yola.{{cite news |title=Thousands flee as Boko Haram seizes northeast Nigerian town |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-idUSKBN0IJ21820141030 |website=www.reuters.com |date=30 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924210118/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/30/us-nigeria-violence-idUSKBN0IJ21820141030 |archive-date=2015-09-24}} Amid media speculation that the ceasefire announcement had been part of President Jonathan's re-election campaign, a video statement released by Boko Haram through the normal communication channels via AFP on 31 October stated that no negotiations had in fact taken place.{{cite web |title=Boko Haram leader appears in video ridiculing Nigerian government's |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/boko-haram-leader-appears-video-ridiculing-nigerian-government-s-ceasefire-claims-9833607.html |website=The Independent |language=en |date=1 November 2014}}{{cite web |last1=Johnston |first1=Chris |title=Boko Haram denies it has agreed ceasefire |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/01/boko-haram-nigerian-government-abubakar-shekau-islamist-abducted-schoolgirls |website=The Guardian |date=1 November 2014}} Mubi was said to have been recaptured by the army on 13 November. On the same day, Boko Haram seized Chibok, but two days later the army recaptured the largely deserted town. As of 16 November it was estimated that more than twenty towns and villages had been taken control of by the militants.{{cite news |title=Boko Haram militants 'seize Nigerian town of Chibok'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30058879 |access-date=14 November 2014 |work=BBC News |date=14 November 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/11234662/Nigerian-army-retakes-control-of-key-Boko-Haram-town.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/11234662/Nigerian-army-retakes-control-of-key-Boko-Haram-town.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Nigerian army retakes control of key Boko Haram town |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=16 November 2014 |access-date=21 November 2014}}{{cbignore}} There were 27 Boko Haram attacks during the November, killing at least 786.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-30080914 |title=Jihadism: Tracking a month of deadly attacks |publisher=BBC News |date=11 December 2014 |access-date=12 December 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30266868 |title=Boko Haram Kano attack: Loss of life on staggering scale |publisher=BBC News |date=30 November 2014 |access-date=12 December 2014}}

On 3 December, it was reported that several towns in North Adamawa had been recovered by the Nigerian military with the help of local vigilantes and Bala Nggilari, the governor of Adamawa state, said that the military were aiming to recruit 4,000 vigilantes.Ross, Will (3 December 2014) [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30291040 Boko Haram crisis: Among the vigilantes of north-east Nigeria] BBC News, Africa. Retrieved 3 December 2014 On 13 December, Boko Haram attacked the village of Gumsuri in Borno, killing over 30 and kidnapping over 100 women and children.

{{main|2015 Cameroon bus attack}}

On 1 January, Boko Haram killed at least 15 people on a bus in the Far North Region of Cameroon.

{{main|2015 Baga massacre}}

On 3 January, Boko Haram attacked Baga, seizing it and the multinational joint task force military base. As the militants advanced the army fled. Some residents managed to escape to Chad.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30672391 |title=Boko Haram seizes army base in Nigeria town of Baga |work=BBC News |date=4 January 2015}} Although the death toll of the massacre was earlier estimated by Western media to be upwards of 2000,{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/boko-haram-massacre-thousands-says-amnesty-international-20150110-12loit.html |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|title=Boko Haram massacre thousands, says Amnesty International |date=10 January 2015 |access-date=11 January 2015}} the Defence Ministry dismissed these claims as "speculation and conjecture", estimating the figure to be closer to 150.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30788480 |title=Boko Haram crisis: Nigeria estimates Baga deaths at 150 |work=BBC News |date=12 January 2015}} On 25 January, the militants advanced to Monguno, capturing the town and a nearby military base. Their advance on Maiduguri and Konduga, 40 km to the southeast, was repelled. After retaking Monguno, the army expelled the militants from Baga on 21 February.{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/06/10/anatomy-boko-haram-massacre|title=Anatomy of a Boko Haram Massacre|work=Human Rights Watch|author=Samer Muscati|date=10 June 2015|access-date=22 October 2015}}

The Baga massacre was one of the Nigerian Army's biggest defeats in terms of loss of equipment and civilian casualties. Several officers were court-martialed. In October, General Enitan Ransome-Kuti was dismissed from the army and sentenced to six months imprisonment. It was determined that he had failed in his duty to launch a counter-attack after retreating from the town.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-34550050|title=Nigerian general jailed over Boko Haram attack on Baga|work=BBC News|date=16 October 2015|access-date=20 October 2015}}

{{main|2015 West African offensive}}

File:Wilayat al Sudan al Gharbi.png

Starting on 23 January, a coalition of military forces from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger began a campaign against Boko Haram.{{cite news|title=Nigeria postpones elections, focuses on major offensive against Boko Haram |agency=AP News|work=The Christian Science Monitor|date=7 February 2015|access-date=30 April 2015|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2015/0207/Nigeria-postpones-elections-focuses-on-major-offensive-against-Boko-Haram-video}} On 4 February, the Chadian Army killed over 200 Boko Haram militants.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/02/04/world/africa/ap-af-nigeria-violence.html| title=NYT | access-date=4 February 2015}} Soon afterwards, Boko Haram carried out a massacre in the town of Fotokol in Far North, Cameroon, killing 81 civilians, 13 Chadian soldiers and 6 Cameroonian soldiers.{{cite news |title=Chadian jets bomb Nigerian town in anti-Boko Haram raid |work=News24 |access-date=10 February 2015 |date=5 February 2015 |url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Chad-troops-killed-in-Boko-Haram-counter-attack-20150205 |archive-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706174541/http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Chad-troops-killed-in-Boko-Haram-counter-attack-20150205 |url-status=dead }} On 2 March, the Nigerian military defeated Boko Haram in the Battle of Konduga.

On 7 March, Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau pledged allegiance to ISIL via an audio message posted on the organisation's Twitter account. Nigerian army spokesperson Sami Usman Kukasheka said the pledge was a sign of weakness and that Shekau was like a "drowning man".{{cite news|title=Boko Haram conflict: Nigerian allies launch offensive|date=8 March 2015 |publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31789412|access-date=1 May 2015}} On 12 March 2015, ISIL's spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani released an audiotape in which he welcomed the pledge of allegiance, and described it as an expansion of the group's caliphate to West Africa.{{cite web | url=https://news.yahoo.com/accepts-allegiance-nigeria-jihadists-boko-haram-201513146.html | title=IS welcomes Boko Haram allegiance: tape | publisher=AFP | date=12 March 2015 | access-date=12 March 2015}}

On 24 March, residents of Damasak, Borno State, said that Boko Haram had taken more than 400 women and children from the town as they fled from coalition forces who retook it and discovered a mass grave of Boko Haram victims.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-violence-nigeria-kidnapping-idUSKBN0MK22Y20150324 | title=Boko Haram kidnapped hundreds in northern Nigeria town: residents | work=Reuters| date=24 March 2015 | access-date=25 March 2015 | author=Penney, Joe | archive-date=25 March 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325182816/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/24/us-violence-nigeria-kidnapping-idUSKBN0MK22Y20150324 | url-status=live }} On 27 March, the Nigerian Army captured Gwoza, which was believed to be the location of Boko Haram headquarters.{{cite news|title=Boko Haram HQ Gwoza in Nigeria 'retaken'|date=27 March 2015|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32087211|access-date=1 May 2015}} On election day 28 March 2015, Boko Haram extremists killed 41 people, including a legislator, to discourage hundreds from voting.{{cite news | url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/boko-haram-kills-41-as-millions-of-nigerians-vote-in-close-presidential-election-1.2301714 | title=Boko Haram kills 41 as millions of Nigerians vote in close presidential election | agency=Associated Press | date=28 March 2015 | access-date=28 March 2015 | author=Michelle Faul and Haruna Umar}}

In March, Boko Haram lost control of the Northern Nigerian towns of BamaEwokor, Chris (21 March 2015) [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31911641 Is the tide turning against Boko Haram?] BBC News, Africa. Retrieved 29 April 2015 and Gwoza(27 March 2015) [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32087211 Boko Haram HQ Gwoza in Nigeria 'retaken'] BBC News, Africa. Retrieved 29 April 2015 to the Nigerian army. The Nigerian authorities said that they had taken back 11 of the 14 districts previously controlled by Boko Haram. In April, four Boko Haram camps in the Sambisa Forest were overrun by the Nigerian military who freed nearly 300 females.(29 April 2015) [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32506942 Nigerian army 'rescues nearly 300' from Sambisa Forest] BBC News, Africa. Retrieved 29 April 2015 Boko Haram forces were believed to have retreated to the Mandara Mountains, along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.(14 April 2015) [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32292854 Nigeria's Chibok girls 'seen with Boko Haram in Gwoza'] BBC News, Africa. Retrieved 29 April 2015

{{main|February 2015 Nigeria bombings}}

In late February, suicide bombers killed about 50 people in Damaturu, Potiskum and Kano.

A report by the Catholic diocese of Maiduguri estimated that as of May 2015 over 5,000 Nigerian Catholics had been killed by Boko Haram. The diocese also reported 7,000 widows and 10,000 orphans among its laity. Furthermore, Boko Haram militants had taken over several parish centres within the diocese.Lodge, Carey. [http://www.christiantoday.com/article/nigeria.at.least.5000.catholics.killed.by.boko.haram/53864.htm "Nigeria: at least 5,000 Catholics killed by Boko Haram"], [Christian Today], London, 13 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2016.

{{main|2015 N'Djamena bombings}}

On 15 June, two suicide bombings of police sites in N'Djamena, the capital and largest city of Chad, killed 38 people. Boko Haram later claimed responsibility for these attacks.{{cite news|title=Boko Haram claims June suicide bombings in Chad capital|url=https://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-claims-june-suicide-bombings-chad-capital-214525681.html|access-date=20 July 2015|work=Yahoo! News|date=8 July 2015}} On 27 June, suicide bombers killed six members of their own cell and five police officers during a police raid.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33310745|title=Chad police killed in N'Djamena weapons raid|work=BBC News |date=29 June 2015}} On 11 July, a male suicide bomber disguised in a woman's burqa detonated his explosives belt in the main market of N'Djamena, next to the main mosque, killing 15 people and injuring 80.{{cite news|last1=Nako|first1=Madjiasra|last2=Ngarmbassa|first2=Moumine|title=Suicide bomber in burqa kills 15 people in Chad capital|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-chad-violence-idUKKCN0PL0A520150711|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224004622/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-chad-violence-idUKKCN0PL0A520150711|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2015|access-date=20 July 2015|work=Reuters|date=11 July 2015}} Several days after the bombing, Boko Haram claimed responsibility via Twitter, signing as "Islamic State, West Africa province".{{cite news|title=Chad to arrest women wearing full-face veil after deadly suicide bombing in the capital|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/chad-to-arrest-women-wearing-fullface-veil-after-deadly-suicide-bombing-in-the-capital-10388274.html|access-date=22 July 2015|work=The Independent|date=14 July 2015}}

A large sack containing homemade bombs exploded in Monguno, Borno State, Nigeria, killing at least 12 people,{{cite news|author=Agencies in Bauchi and Kano |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/17/boko-haram-homemade-bombs-nigeria-monguno-scores-dead |title=Casualties reported as bombs found at abandoned Boko Haram camp explode | World news |work=The Guardian |date=17 June 2015 |access-date=2016-03-15}} and possibly as many as 63.{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/6/17/bombs-found-in-abandoned-boko-haram-camp-kill-63-in-nigeria.html|title=Bombs Found in Boko Haram Camp Kill 63 in Nigeria - Al Jazeera America|publisher=American Aljazeera}} It happened at a camp which the Boko Haram had abandoned. They also carried out major attacks in Monguno in September 2015 and June 2020.

{{main|July 2015 Kukawa massacre}}

Boko Haram militants attacked multiple mosques on 1 and 2 July. Forty-eight men and boys were killed on the 1st at one mosque in Kukawa. Seventeen were wounded in the attack. Ninety-seven others, mostly men, were killed in numerous mosques on the 2nd with a number of women and young girls killed in their homes. An unknown number were wounded.{{cite news|title=Boko Haram guns down 97 people praying in mosques in Nigeria |url=https://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-guns-down-97-people-praying-mosques-180514251.html/ |agency=Associated Press |access-date=2 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707234151/http://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-guns-down-97-people-praying-mosques-180514251.html |archive-date=7 July 2015 }}

{{main|5 July 2015 Nigeria attacks}}

On 5 July, major attacks occurred in Potiskum, Jos and Borno State.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/nigeria-bombs-kill-44-in-crowded-mosque-restaurant-jos-boko-haram|title=Nigeria bombs kill at least 44 in crowded mosque and restaurant|agency=Associated Press|date=6 July 2015|website=The Guardian}}

On 12 July, two female suicide bombers wearing burqas killed 13 people in Fotokol. In response, the governor of Far North banned the garments to prevent further similar attacks.{{cite news |title=Cameroon bans Islamic face veil after suicide bombings |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-33553041 |access-date=6 September 2024 |work=BBC News |date=16 July 2015}}

The March 2015 general election was won by Buhari, who had vowed to remove inefficiency and corruption in the military.{{cite news|title=Nigeria Opposition Leader Vows to Improve Security|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/nigeria-opposition-leader-vows-to-improve-security/2557090.html|access-date=7 January 2017|work=VOA|date=12 December 2014}} On 9 September 2015, the director of information at the Defence Headquarters, Colonel Rabe Abubakar announced that all known Boko Haram camps and cells had been destroyed, and that the group was so weakened that they could no longer hold any territory:

{{blockquote|These terrorists have been subdued, even if they are adopting other means and as they are re-strategising, we are also doing the same and pre-empting them. We have coordinated the air and ground assaults to make sure that these terrorists' hideouts are completely decimated. As I am speaking to you, all the terrorists' camps have completely been wiped out. So right now they are completely in disarray, have no command and control of where to plan. We have even taken over their camps that most of them abandoned and are attempting to blend into towns and communities. We have also apprehended some of them and very soon innocent Nigerians can move back to their communities. We are making a lot of headway, so people should know that Boko Haram is no longer strong enough to hold grounds. Very soon this issue of whether they are in control of any territory in Nigeria or not will come to the open. I am assuring you that they will never again recapture the territory taken from them because what is happening right now with the deployment of troops, equipment and morale will ensure that.{{cite web |url=http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/dhq-nigerian-troops-have-destroyed-all-boko-haram-camps/219851/ |title=DHQ: Nigerian Troops Have Destroyed All Boko Haram Camps |work=This Day Live |date=10 September 2015 |access-date=10 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913004000/http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/dhq-nigerian-troops-have-destroyed-all-boko-haram-camps/219851 |archive-date=13 September 2015}}}}

Buhari later reiterated in December that Boko Haram was "technically defeated"{{cite news|title=Nigeria Boko Haram: Militants 'technically defeated' – Buhari|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35173618|access-date=24 December 2015|work=BBC News|date=24 December 2015}} and declared in December 2016 that the group had been entirely ousted from its last stronghold of Sambisa Forest.{{cite news|title=Boko Haram 'crushed' by Nigerian army in final forest stronghold|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/boko-haram-nigerian-army-sambisa-forest-a7494176.html|access-date=26 December 2016|newspaper=The Independent|date=24 December 2016}}

{{main|September 2015 Borno State bombings}}

On 20 September, a series of bombings occurred in Maiduguri and Monguno and the attacks followed an announcement by Shekau refuting the army's claims of defeat. A military spokesman stated that the event showed the "high level of desperation" of Boko Haram.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-34311082|title=Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: Maiduguri blasts kill dozens|work=BBC News|date=21 September 2015|access-date=23 September 2015}} The Arewa Consultative Forum released a statement condemning the bombings and commending the military offensive:{{blockquote|The ACF condemns in strong terms the continued use of suicide bombers by Boko Haram terrorists to kill innocent people in the name of a religious war, as no religion condones such cruel and barbaric act. The ACF wishes to commend the military and other security agencies for the continued onslaught on the terrorists' enclaves and hideouts, thereby dislodging them from their strong holds. The ACF urges the military not to be deterred by the cowardly act of the Boko Haram terrorists, as their renewed effort and determination will soon end the insurgency. The ACF also appeals to the military to intensify its synergy of sharing intelligence with the community.{{cite web |url=http://www.punchng.com/news/boko-haram-kills-27-in-fresh-monguno-bombing/ |title=Boko Haram kills 27 in fresh Monguno bombing |work=Punch |first1=Kayode|last1=Idowu|first2=Godwin|last2=Isenyo |date=23 September 2015 |access-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927035213/http://www.punchng.com/news/boko-haram-kills-27-in-fresh-monguno-bombing/ |archive-date=27 September 2015}}}}

On 21 October in Nganzai, Borno, according to a civilian vigilante, fleeing militants shot at four cars, killing the passengers, and burnt and looted the nearby village.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/20-shot-dead-suspected-islamists-ne-nigeria-witnesses-224347258.html|title=20 shot dead by suspected Islamists in NE Nigeria: locals|work=Yahoo! News|author=AFP|date=21 October 2015|access-date=22 October 2015}} On 23 October, a suicide bombing occurred in a pre dawn attack at a mosque in Maiduguri. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) put the death toll at 6 while hospital sources reported 19 deaths and a vigilante claimed to have counted 28 corpses and two suicide bombers.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/27-dead-96-wounded-yola-ne-nigeria-mosque-162312484.html|title=Mosque blasts kill 55 in NE Nigeria|work=Yahoo! News|author=AFP|date=23 October 2015 |access-date=24 October 2015}} On the following day, four female suicide bombers claimed one victim after they were intercepted by the JTF in Maiduguri, according to a NEMA spokesman.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-25/female-suicide-bombers-strike-northern-nigeria/6882754|title=One killed as suspected Boko Haram female suicide bombers strike in Nigeria|work=ABC|date=24 October 2015|access-date=24 October 2015}}

On 27 October, a military operation freed 192 children and 138 women being held captive in two camps in the Sambisa forest and 30 militants were killed, according to a social media statement from the Defense HQ.{{cite news|url=http://www.philasun.com/diaspora/nigerian-military-338-captives-rescued-from-boko-haram/|title=Nigerian military: 338 captives rescued from Boko Haram|work=Philadelphia Sun|agency=Associated Press|date=30 October 2015|access-date=2 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-34656907|title=Boko Haram: Nigerian army rescues 338 captives|work=BBC News|date=28 October 2015|access-date=2 November 2015}} None of the captives were those taken in Chibok in April 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/boko-haram-has-lost-territory-in-nigeria-u-s-general-says-1446136475|title=Boko Haram Has Lost Territory in Nigeria, U.S. General Says|work=The Wall Street Journal|author=Julian Barnes|date=29 October 2015|access-date=2 November 2015}}

On 25 December, gunmen set fire to the village of Kimba, killing at least 14, according to vigilantes.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/26/boko-haram-kills-at-least-14-in-christmas-day-attack-in-nigeria|title=Boko Haram kill at least 14 in Christmas Day attack in Nigeria|work=The Guardian|author=AFP|date=26 December 2015|access-date=29 December 2015}} On 27 December, gunmen armed with RPGs battled with troops for two hours in Aldawari village in the outskirts of Maiduguri, according to NEMA. On the following morning, a bombing at a nearby mosque killed around 20, according to NEMA.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/12/28/africa/nigeria-maiduguri-boko-haram/|title=Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria leave 52 dead|work=CNN|first1=Aminu|last1=Abubakar|first2=Briana|last2=Duggan|date=29 December 2015|access-date=29 December 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/29/world/africa/attacks-kill-scores-in-nigeria.html?_r=0|title=Suspected Boko Haram Attacks Kill Scores in Nigeria|work=The New York Times|author=Ibrahim Sawab|date=28 December 2015|access-date=29 December 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-idUSKBN0UA0MD20151227|title=Nigerian army repels Boko Haram attack near state capital: witnesses|work=Reuters|date=27 December 2015|access-date=29 December 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-idUSKBN0UB0TF20151228|title=At least 48 killed in bombings in north Nigeria|work=Reuters|date=28 December 2015|access-date=29 December 2015}}

Two bombings on 2 October that killed 18 and wounded 41, one in Nyanya in Nasarawa and the other in Kuje, FCT were also claimed by Boko Haram.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-claims-abuja-bombings-083859812.html|title=Boko Haram claims Abuja bombings|work=Yahoo! News|date=5 October 2015|access-date=8 October 2015}}

On 1 October, villagers in Kirchinga, Adamawa complained of a lack of security personnel after 5 residents had their throats slit during an unchallenged early morning attack. The village borders Cameroon and the Sambisa forest.{{cite web|url=http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/190893-october-1-tragedy-boko-haram-strikes-in-adamawa-slaughters-5.html|title=October 1 Tragedy: Boko Haram strikes in Adamawa, slaughters 5|work=Premium Times|date=1 October 2015|access-date=19 October 2015}} On 18 October the village of Dar, Adamawe was attacked. Maina Ularamu, a former chairman of Madagali Local Government Area, stated: "A large number of gunmen invaded the village, forcing residents to flee to a nearby bush. Two female suicide bombers disguised as fleeing villagers detonated explosives in the bush where many people were hiding, killing 12 persons".{{cite web|url=http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/191733-boko-haram-storms-adamawa-village-kills-12.html|title=Boko Haram storms Adamawa village, kills 12|work=Premium Times|author=Iro Dan Fulani|date=18 October 2015|access-date=19 October 2015}} On 20 October, there were reports of a military ambush in Madagali, assisted by vigilantes, in which over 30 militants were killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/30-members-of-boko-haram-killed-in-adamawa/223268/ |title=30 Members of Boko Haram Killed in Adamawa |work=This Day |author=Daji Sani |date=20 October 2015 |access-date=20 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021135639/http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/30-members-of-boko-haram-killed-in-adamawa/223268/ |archive-date=21 October 2015 |df=dmy }} On 21 October, according to vigilante reports a joint operation in Madagali and Gwoza killed 150 militants and rescued 36 captives.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/nigerian-troops-hunters-kill-150-boko-haram-extremists-155847574.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022042022/http://news.yahoo.com/nigerian-troops-hunters-kill-150-boko-haram-extremists-155847574.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 October 2015|title=Nigerian troops, hunters kill 150 Boko Haram extremists|work=Yahoo! News|author=IBRAHIM ABDULAZIZ|date=21 October 2015|access-date=22 October 2015}} On 23 October, a suicide bomb at a crowded mosque killed 27 in Yola, Adamawa's capital.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-nigerian-mosque-bombings-20151023-story.html|title=Suicide bombers kill 42 in 2 northeast Nigerian mosques; Boko Haram blamed|work=Chicago Tribune|date=23 October 2014|access-date=24 October 2015}} On 17 November, an explosion at a food market in Yola killed 32,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-blast-idUSKCN0T62NC20151117#2bg33EBRBeOExmdv.97|title=Blast at market in northeastern Nigeria's Yola kills 32|work=Reuters|author=Emmanuel Ande|date=17 November 2015|access-date=18 November 2015|archive-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117231443/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/17/us-nigeria-blast-idUSKCN0T62NC20151117#2bg33EBRBeOExmdv.97|url-status=live}} in the first Nigerian bombing since 23 October attacks in Maiduguri and Yola.{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/suicide-bombing-in-nigeria-blamed-on-boko-haram-extremists/|title=Suicide bombing in Nigeria blamed on Boko Haram extremists|work=PBS NewsHour|date=18 November 2015|access-date=18 November 2015}} On the morning of 28 December, two female suicide bombers detonated their explosives at a crowded market in Madagali. According to a local resident, at least 28 were killed.

On 7 October in Damaturu, Yobe at least 15 people were killed by 3 suicide bombers.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/fifteen-killed-in-nigeria-suicide-bombing-boko-haram-suspected/2994915.html|title=15 Killed in Nigeria Suicide Bombing|work=VOA|date=7 October 2015|access-date=8 October 2015}} In Goniri, Yobe, seven soldiers and over 100 militants were killed, and a large arms cache was found, according to an army spokesman, who said that the recent apparent rise in suicide bombings was an indication of the success of military operations.{{cite web|url=http://saharareporters.com/2015/10/07/nigerian-troops-claim-they-killed-100-boko-haram-militants-yobe|title=Nigerian Troops Claim They Killed 100 Boko Haram Militants in Yobe|work=Sahara Reporters|author=COLONEL SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN|date=7 October 2015|access-date=8 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/nigeria-repels-boko-haram-attack/2999547.html|title=Nigeria Army Repels Boko Haram Attack|work=VOA|date=8 October 2015|access-date=11 October 2015}}

Boko Haram claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a procession of Shi'ite Muslims killing at least 21, on 30 November, near the village of Dakozoye. A week earlier two bombers had killed at least 14 in Kano city.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-idUSKBN0TH0IX20151128#IypjBDgvSMpqTACy.97|title=Boko Haram claims responsibility for Kano suicide bomb: SITE|work=Reuters|author=Sami Aboudi|date=28 November 2015|access-date=5 December 2015}}

{{main|January 2015 raid on Kolofata}}

On 12 January, Boko Haram attacked a Cameroonian military base in Kolofata, a commune in the Far North region. Government forces report killing 143 militants, while one Cameroonian soldier was killed.{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/cameroon-army-kills-143-boko-haram-fighters-202345476.html |title=Cameroon repels Boko Haram attack, says 143 militants killed |date=12 January 2015 |work=Yahoo! News}} On 18 January, Boko Haram raided two Tourou Cameroon area villages, torching houses, killing some residents and kidnapping between 60 and 80 people including an estimated 50 young children between the ages of 10 and 15.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30873243 |title=BBC News – Boko Haram 'in Cameroon kidnappings' |work=BBC News}}

On 11 October, in the far north region of Cameroon two female suicide bombers killed nine people in the town of Mora. On 18 October, 10 militants were killed when they attacked a Cameroon military anti-terrorist division convoy close to the border, after a military vehicle became stuck in mud. One army commander later died of his wounds.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-19/cameroon-says-army-kills-10-boko-haram-fighters-in-far-north|title=Cameroon Says Army Kills 10 Boko Haram Fighters in Far North|work=Bloomberg|author=Pius Lukong |date=19 October 2015|access-date=20 October 2015}} On 12 October, the first 90 of a proposed deployment of 300 US troops arrived in the region to assist with training, reconnaissance and airborne intelligence using Predator drones.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-nigeria-bokoharam-usa-idUKKCN0S825G20151014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128193359/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-nigeria-bokoharam-usa-idUKKCN0S825G20151014|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 January 2016|title=Obama sends U.S. troops, drones to Cameroon in anti-Boko Haram fight|work=Reuters|author=WARREN STROBEL|date=14 October 2015|access-date=14 October 2015}} On 16 October, more than six security vehicles were transferred to the Cameroon military. An AFRICOM spokesman said that increased cooperation had led them "to study the viability of ISR flights from a temporary location in Cameroon". The deployment is "totally separate and distinct" from operations in Chad and Niger, where 250 and 85 personnel, respectively, are conducting missions including ISR and training.{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/land/vehicles/2015/10/20/us-sending-troops-vehicles-to-cameroon-to-combat-boko-haram/74265026/|title=US Sending Troops, Vehicles To Cameroon To Combat Boko Haram|work=Defense News|author=Jen Judson|date=20 October 2015|access-date=20 October 2015}}

On 23 October, Boko Haram fighters were driven out of Kerawa, a village of 50,000 in Kolofata. They had briefly occupied the village until the arrival of security forces. Reports of civilian casualties ranged from eight to eleven. An army spokesman claimed the militants suffered heavy casualties. The village's military base had previously been targeted by suicide bombers on 3 September, when 30 were killed.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cameroon-attacks-idUSKCN0SH15G20151023|title=Cameroon army drives Boko Haram militants back across northern border|work=Reuters|date=23 October 2015|access-date=24 October 2015|archive-date=24 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024082148/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/23/us-cameroon-attacks-idUSKCN0SH15G20151023|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/boko-haram-jihadists-briefly-seize-town-on-cameroon-border-1235814|title=Boko Haram Jihadists Briefly Seize Town on Cameroon Border|work=NDTV|author=AFP|date=24 October 2015|access-date=24 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.channelstv.com/2015/10/23/boko-haram-militants-kill-8-villagers-in-cameroun/|title=Boko Haram Militants Kill 8 Villagers in Cameroun|work=Channels|date=23 October 2015|access-date=24 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-seizes-town-cameroon-nigeria-border-security-004919560.html|title=Boko Haram seizes town on Cameroon-Nigeria border: security sources|work=Yahoo! News|author=AFP|date=23 October 2015|access-date=24 October 2015}}

On 9 November, two female suicide bombers killed three Nigerians during a security check in a truck full of Nigerian refugees.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/cameroon-security-idUSL8N1343NZ20151109#Qg2sQL5gouWChIta.97|title=UPDATE 1-Suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers kill three Nigerian refugees in Cameroon|work=Reuters|author=Sylvain Andzongo|date=9 November 2015|access-date=22 November 2015|archive-date=22 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122221942/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/09/cameroon-security-idUSL8N1343NZ20151109#Qg2sQL5gouWChIta.97|url-status=live}} On 21 November, a suicide attack in a suburb of Fotokol town killed four. An anonymous military official said: "The first kamikaze detonated his bomb in the house of the traditional chief of Leymarie. Five people died including the bomber. Several minutes later, three female bombers exploded their bombs close to the initial site but they didn't kill anyone else because they acted too quickly".{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-cameroon-idUSKCN0TA0JR20151121#X3LCBdxBtr1bKdV5.97|title=Female suicide bombers in Cameroon attack that kills eight|work=Reuters|author=Sylvain Andzongo|date=21 November 2015|access-date=22 November 2015|archive-date=21 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121204638/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/21/us-nigeria-violence-cameroon-idUSKCN0TA0JR20151121#X3LCBdxBtr1bKdV5.97|url-status=live}}

On 28 November, two suicide bombers killed six near the military base in Dabanga, and in an attack in Gouzoudou five people were killed, according to a military spokesman.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/11/29/africa/cameroon-boko-haram-attacks/|title=11 killed in two Boko Haram attacks in Cameroon|work=CNN|author=Ngala Kilian Chimtom|date=29 November 2015|access-date=5 December 2015}} On 1 December, two suicide bombers killed three, and a third bomber was killed before detonating explosives. On 2 December, Cameroon's Defense Minister claimed that, at the end of November, 100 Boko Haram members had been killed and 900 hostages freed, and that a large stockpile of arms and munitions, and black-and-white ISIL flags had been seized.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34986146|title=Boko Haram crisis: Cameroon troops 'free 900 hostages'|work=BBC News|date=2 December 2015|access-date=4 December 2015}} Information Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakari said that "[t]he people that were freed are just villagers. The [Chibok] schoolgirls who are missing are not amongst the group".{{cite web |title=Cameroon says no missing girls among freed Boko Haram hostages |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cameroon-attacks-idUSKBN0TQ2AF20151207#6rU1ZAhTmCPMurvv.97 |website=Reuters|language=en |date=7 December 2015}}

{{main|Baga Sola bombings}}

On 6 October, the Chadian Army reported an attack in the border region of Lake Chad. 11 soldiers were killed and 14 wounded in the pre-dawn cross-border infiltration, and 17 militants were also killed, according to an army spokesman.{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/11-chadian-soldiers-killed-in-boko-haram-attack-army-115100601415_1.html|title=11 Chadian soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack: army|work=Business Standard|author=AFP|date=6 October 2015|access-date=8 October 2015}} On 10 October, 5 suicide bombers killed 33 people in the market in Baga Sola, a camp for Nigerian refugees.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-chad-idUSKCN0S40OJ20151010|title=Suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers kill 33 in Chad|work=Reuters|date=10 October 2015|access-date=11 October 2015|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129143303/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-chad/suspected-boko-haram-suicide-bombers-kill-33-in-chad-idUSKCN0S40OJ20151010|url-status=live}} On 1 November, two dawn attacks on army posts occurred. Eleven militants and two soldiers were killed at Kaika, and in an attempted suicide bombing at Bougouma, "Two members of Boko Haram were neutralised and a third blew himself up, wounding 11 civilians", according to a government statement.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-suicide-attack-chad-kills-11-civilians-000730470.html|title=Lake Chad clashes leave 14 Boko Haram members dead: government|work=Yahoo! News|author=AFP|date=1 November 2015|access-date=2 November 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-chad-idUSKCN0SQ1TA20151101|title=Two soldiers, 11 suspected Boko Haram fighters killed in Chad attacks|work=Reuters|author=Madjiasra Nako|date=1 November 2015|access-date=2 November 2015|archive-date=8 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108014623/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/01/us-nigeria-violence-chad-idUSKCN0SQ1TA20151101|url-status=live}} A state of emergency was imposed in the western Lake Chad region on 9 November, initially for 12 days, but extended by Chad's national assembly on 18 November to four months.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-chad-idUSKCN0T807J20151119#1FBz0EZYghVhA53J.97|title=Chad extends state of emergency over Boko Haram attacks|work=Reuters|author=Madjiasra Nako|date=18 November 2015|access-date=5 December 2015}}

{{main|December 2015 Chad suicide bombings}}

On 5 December, three female suicide bombers killed about 30 at a crowded market on the island of Koulfoua in Lake Chad.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-chad-idUSKBN0TO0FM20151205#76dV51DeJ7EZVrqi.97 |title=Triple suicide blast kills around 30 people in Lake Chad|work=Reuters|author=M. Nako |date=5 December 2015 |access-date=5 December 2015}}

{{main|2015 Niger raid}}

On 6 February, Boko Haram assaulted Bosso and Diffa. On 25 September, at least 15 civilians were massacred and stores were looted in a cross-border raid on a Niger village, according to anonymous military sources.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-niger-idUSKCN0RP1BB20150925|title=Boko Haram fighters kill at least 15 in Niger village raid: sources|work=Reuters|date=25 September 2015|access-date=11 October 2015|archive-date=29 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929002805/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/25/us-nigeria-violence-niger-idUSKCN0RP1BB20150925|url-status=live}} On 2 October two soldiers died and four were wounded in a Boko Haram attack on a village near the Nigerian border in Niger's Diffa province. The militants also looted stores, according to Niger army officers. On 4 October, according to an aid worker, a policeman and five civilians were killed by 4 suicide bombers near the Nigerian border. On 6 October, three suspected Boko Haram militants accidentally blew themselves up while transporting explosives to Bosso town in Diffa. On 21 October, near Diffa town, two soldiers were killed by explosives while intercepting an attack. Diffa region hosts over 150,000 Nigerian refugees. It is under a state of emergency. On 14 October a curfew and movement restrictions were imposed.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-nigeria-bokoharam-idUKKCN0SF22920151021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128193359/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-nigeria-bokoharam-idUKKCN0SF22920151021|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 January 2016|title=Suspected Boko Haram suicide attack kills two Niger soldiers|work=Reuters|date=21 October 2015|access-date=21 October 2015}} At least 57 attacks occurred there from February to October. More than 1,100 Boko Haram suspects were arrested in Niger during 2015.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-niger-violence-idUKKCN0RW1NF20151002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128193358/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-niger-violence-idUKKCN0RW1NF20151002|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 January 2016|title=Boko Haram fighters kill two Niger soldiers, wound four in ambush|work=Reuters|date=2 October 2015|access-date=8 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thecable.ng/3-suicide-bombers-killed-botched-attack-niger|title=3 suicide bombers killed before attack in Niger|work=The Cable|date=6 October 2015|access-date=8 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/dead-twin-suicide-bombings-niger-diffa-151005021713356.html|title=Several dead in twin suicide bombings in Niger's Diffa|work=Al Jazeera|date=5 October 2015|access-date=8 October 2015}}

On 11 November, two Niger military officials described an attack on a village in Bosso district in which five civilians and 20 militants were killed. A senior government official later denied that the attack had occurred, according to Reuters.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-niger-idUSKCN0T10PK20151112#iARYBRH5XOVYPjFJ.97|title=Around 25 dead in Boko Haram raid in Niger, clashes with army|work=Reuters|author=Abdoulaye Massalaki|date=12 November 2015|access-date=18 November 2015|archive-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118030624/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/12/us-nigeria-violence-niger-idUSKCN0T10PK20151112#iARYBRH5XOVYPjFJ.97|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/boko-haram-village-raid-clashes-niger-army-leave-25-dead-n462051|title=Boko Haram Village Raid, Clashes With Niger Army Leave 25 Dead|work=NBC News|agency=Reuters|date=12 November 2015|access-date=18 November 2015}} On 26 November, Boko Haram launched a cross-border night raid on Wogom village in Diffa province. A government spokesman, Justice Minister Marou Amadou stated: "Eighteen villagers were killed, including the chief imam for the village whose throat was slit by his own nephew".{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/18-killed-boko-haram-attack-southeast-niger-134025219.html|title=Boko Haram attack kills 18 in southeast Niger|work=Yahoo! News|author=AFP|date=26 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-niger-idUSKBN0TF1I520151126#u8jCeEhtwJkkRCtb.97|title=Niger says Boko Haram gunmen kill 18 in village bordering Nigeria|work=Reuters|author=Abdoulaye Massalaki|date=26 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015|archive-date=27 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127043136/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/26/us-nigeria-violence-niger-idUSKBN0TF1I520151126#u8jCeEhtwJkkRCtb.97|url-status=live}}

On 13 March 2018, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDP), Cecilia Jimenez-Damary said "Since the first attacks in Niger by Boko Haram in 2015, the Diffa region, in the south-eastern part of the country, has been confronted with a continuing security crisis which has uprooted more than 129,000 internally from their homes, in addition to the arrival of 108,000 refugees from Nigeria, and has triggered a humanitarian crisis.{{cite web|url=https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=22810&LangID=E|title=OHCHR – Niger: UN expert on internally displaced persons to conduct first official visit|website=www.ohchr.org}} He said that IDPs in Niger are posing huge challenges to the country and require a strong and comprehensive response. He also said situation in the regions bordering Mali has led to the displacement of some 1,540 persons.

{{main|2016 Bodo bombings}}

On 25 January, over 30 people were killed by four Boko Haram suicide bombers in Bodo, Far North Region, Cameroon.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cameroon-attacks-idUSKCN0V318T|title=Suicide bombers kill 32, wound dozens in northern Cameroon|first=Josiane|last=Kouagheu|newspaper=Reuters|date=26 January 2016|via=www.reuters.com}}

{{main|2016 Dalori attack}}

On 30 January, at least 86 people were killed and at least 62 more injured in an attack by Boko Haram militants on Dalori Village which is located in Borno State, 4 kilometers from Maiduguri.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-idUSKCN0V90M8|title=At least 65 people killed in attack in Nigeria's Maiduguri|agency=Reuters Editorial|date=31 January 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=31 January 2016}} The Nigerian Army was unable to fight the militants until reinforcements arrived, causing Boko Haram to retreat.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/boko-haram-blast-kills-scores-nigeria-maiduguri-160131140615844.html|title=Boko Haram blast kills scores in Nigeria's Maiduguri|access-date=31 January 2016}}

{{main|Dikwa suicide bombings}}

On 9 February, two young Boko Haram female suicide bombers killed at least 60 people at an internally displaced persons camp in Dikwa, Borno.

{{main|2016 Maiduguri suicide bombings}}

On 16 March, two female suicide bombers killed 22 people in Maiduguri. On 29 October, two female suicide bombers killed seven people in the same city.

Johns Hopkins University figures indicated that Boko Haram killed 244 people in the second quarter – the lowest quarterly figure for five years.{{Cite news|url=http://warontherocks.com/2016/09/charting-boko-harams-rapid-decline/|title=Charting Boko Haram's Rapid Decline|last=Allen|first=Nathaniel|date=2016-09-22|newspaper=War on the Rocks|language=en|access-date=2016-10-13}}

In early August, ISIL announced that it had appointed Abu-Musab al-Barnawi as the new leader of the group.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36963711|title=Boko Haram in Nigeria: Abu Musab al-Barnawi named as new leader|date=3 August 2016|work=BBC News|access-date=3 August 2016}} In a video released a few days later, Shekau refused to accept al-Barnawi's appointment as leader and vowed to fight him while stating that he was still loyal to ISIL's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20160809-boko-haram-shekau-vows-fight-group-leadership-barnawi-islamic-state|title=Boko Haram's Shekau vows to fight IS group rival for leadership|date=9 August 2016|work=France 24|access-date=10 August 2016}}

The group has since split into pro-Barnawi and pro-Shekau factions, with reports of armed clashes breaking out between them.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/behind-boko-haram-s-split-a-leader-too-radical-for-islamic-state-1473931827|title=Behind Boko Haram's Split: A Leader Too Radical for Islamic State|date=15 September 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=16 September 2016}} Shekau has released videos since the split in which he refers to his group by its previous name of Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād.{{cite news|title=Behind Boko Haram's Split: A Leader Too Radical for Islamic State|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/behind-boko-haram-s-split-a-leader-too-radical-for-islamic-state-1473931827|access-date=2 October 2016|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=15 September 2016}}{{subscription required}}

On 23 August, the Nigerian Army announced it conducted an overnight air-operation that was 'very successful' in killing the leadership of Boko Haram. Among those presumed killed was Abubakar Shekau, he died in an aerial bombardment in Taye village. The Nigerian Army claims that the disputed Boko Haram leader died from injuries to his shoulders while he was performing prayer.{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/worldnews/2016/08/24/news/boko-haram-leader-boko-haram-leader-abubakar-shekau-killed-in-an-air-strike-while-praying-killed-in-an-air-strike-while-p-664628/|title=Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau 'killed while praying'|website=The Irish News|date=23 August 2016|access-date=2016-08-23}}{{Cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-security-bokoharam-idUKKCN10Y0JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823121015/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-security-bokoharam-idUKKCN10Y0JP|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 August 2016|title=As Kerry visits Nigeria, air force says top Boko Haram fighters killed|last=Wroughton|first=Lesley|newspaper=Reuters|date=23 August 2016|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-08-23}}

On 28 August, the Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, retracted the military's statement and claimed that the Boko Haram leader was 'wounded' but not killed in the air-strike.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/28/nigerian-president-boko-haram-leader-wounded-muhammadu-buhari-abubakar-shekau|title=Nigerian president says Boko Haram leader has been wounded|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=2016-08-28|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-09-01}}

On 31 August, Major General Lucky Irabor stated that the militants now only controlled a few villages and towns near Lake Chad and in Sambisa Forest. He further stated that the military expected recapturing the final strongholds of the group within weeks.{{cite news|title=Nigerian Army Commander: Only Weeks Left for Boko Haram|url=http://english.aawsat.com/2016/09/article55357543/nigerian-army-commander-weeks-left-boko-haram|access-date=2 September 2016|publisher=Asharq al-Awsat|date=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901194717/http://english.aawsat.com/2016/09/article55357543/nigerian-army-commander-weeks-left-boko-haram|archive-date=1 September 2016|url-status=dead}}

{{main|Madagali suicide bombings}}

On 9 December, two female Boko Haram suicide bombers killed at least 57 people in Madagali, Adamawa.

File:Boko Haram Execution.png

{{main|Rann bombing}}

On 17 January, the Nigerian Air Force carried out an airstrike on an IDP camp in Rann, Borno. They had mistaken it for a Boko Haram camp; the bombing killed dozens of civilians.

UNICEF reported an increase in the number of child suicide bombers with 27 incidents occurring in the first three months of 2017 in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad, compared to 30 in the entire previous year, 56 in 2015 and 4 in 2014. Kidnapped children who escape from Boko Haram are often held in custody or ostracized by their communities or families. Patrick Rose, a UNICEF regional coordinator, stated: "They are held in military barracks, separated from their parents, without medical follow-up, without psychological support, without education, under conditions and for durations that are unknown". According to the NGO: "Society's rejection of these children, and their sense of isolation and desperation, could be making them more vulnerable to promises of martyrdom through acceptance of dangerous and deadly missions".{{cite news|title=Boko Haram Is Increasingly Using Children in Suicide Attacks|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/boko-haram-increasingly-using-children-suicide-attacks-n745456|access-date=2 June 2017|work=NBC News|agency=Reuters|date=12 April 2017}}{{cite news|title='Alarming' rise in Boko Haram child suicide bombers|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/rise-boko-haram-child-suicide-bombers-170412041301650.html|access-date=2 June 2017|work=Al Jazeera|date=12 April 2017}}

In addition to child suicide bombers and despite having been routed from key areas and significantly downgraded in their capacities, throughout 2016 and into 2017, Boko Haram in Nigeria continued to wage attacks against Nigerian security forces, the community-based Civilian Joint Task Forces (CJTF), and regular citizens, using improvised explosives devices (IEDs) and other crude weaponry. These were often deployed with suicide bombers; an increasing number of whom were women and girls recruited to attack markets, transportation depots, mosques, and IDP camps.{{Cite web|url=http://library.fundforpeace.org/fp303011602|title=Confronting the Unthinkable: Suicide Bombers in Northern Nigeria|access-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613134219/http://library.fundforpeace.org/fp303011602|archive-date=13 June 2018|url-status=dead}}

{{main|March 2017 Maiduguri bombings}}

On 22 March, suicide bombers attacked an IDP camp in Maidiguri, killing four people and wounding 18 others.{{cite news |title=Blasts kill 4, injure 18 in northeastern Nigeria, police say |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/22/blasts-kill-4-injure-18-in-northeastern-nigeria-police-say.html |access-date=8 May 2020 |work=CNBC |date=23 March 2017 |language=en}}

{{main|2017 Mubi bombing}}

On 21 November, a suicide bomber killed 50 people inside a mosque in Mubi.

{{main|December 2017 Diffa Region clash}}

On 6 December, Boko Haram attacked Nigerian and American soldiers in Diffa Region, Niger.

Boko Haram kidnapped 110 schoolgirls from the Government Technical Girls College in Dapchi, Yobe State, on 19 February 2018, killing five of them on the same day. They released all but one of the surviving girls on 21 March, having been paid a large ransom by the Nigerian government to do so.{{cite news|author=Bukola Adebayo|title=Nigeria's President vows schoolgirl with Boko Haram 'will not be abandoned'|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/22/africa/nigeria-missing-girls-father/index.html|access-date=23 March 2018|work=CNN|date=2018}}{{cite news|title=Buhari speaks on abducted Dapchi schoolgirls – Premium Times Nigeria|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/259693-buhari-speaks-abducted-dapchi-schoolgirls.html|access-date=24 February 2018|work=Premium Times Nigeria|date=23 February 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-paid-large-ransom-to-free-dapchi-girls-un-says/|title=Nigeria paid ' large ransom' to free Dapchi girls, UN says|date=16 August 2018}}

On 2 April, a Boko Haram attack on the outskirts of Maiduguri resulted in the death of 18 people and another 84 wounded. This attack came just days after the government of Nigeria claimed there was a ceasefire with Boko Haram. The attack happened in the villages of Bale Shuwa and Bale Kura, close to both Maiduguri and the city's military camp.{{cite web|last1=Abubakar|first1=Aminu|last2=Mckenzie|first2=Sheena|title=Boko Haram attack leaves 18 dead in northeast Nigeria|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/02/africa/nigeria-boko-haram-attack-intl/index.html|website=CNN|date=2 April 2018}}

On 18 May, the Nigerian Army killed 15 Boko Haram insurgents and rescued 49 persons in separate encounters between Boko Haram and Nigerian troops throughout the Southern Lake Chad Basin. The Nigerian troops killed 11 of the insurgents during a battle in Gamoran Village, while the remaining insurgents were killed trying to escape from the Army's efforts in Northern Borno. The Nigerian troops rescued 4 men, 33 women, and 16 children from the insurgent's hideouts in the area.{{cite news|title=Nigerian soldiers battle Boko Haram, kill 15, rescue 49 women, children|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/268734-nigerian-soldiers-battle-boko-haram-kill-15-rescue-49-women-children.html|access-date=18 May 2018|work=Premium Times Nigeria|date=18 May 2018}}

In December, Boko Haram launched a series of attacks in north-east Nigeria. Militants from Islamic State West Africa Province took over the town of Baga and seized the Multinational Joint Task Force base. The attacks took place two months prior to the presidential elections in Nigeria.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/28/boko-haram-launches-series-of-attacks-in-north-east-nigeria|title=Boko Haram launches series of attacks in north-east Nigeria|access-date=28 December 2018|newspaper=The Guardian|last=Maclean|first=Ruth}}

On 17 January, 6 Nigerian soldiers were killed and 14 injured by the Boko Haram jihadists during a raid at a village near the army chief's family home. Four military vehicles were also seized by the jihadists and two were completely destroyed.{{cite news|url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/619677/Six-Nigerian-troops-killed-in-Boko-Haram-raid|title=Six Nigerian troops killed in Boko Haram raid|access-date=19 January 2018|newspaper=Gulf Times}}

On 22 March, Boko Haram militants killed at least 23 Chadian soldiers overnight, two Chadian security sources said on that day, in what appeared to be the deadliest ever such attack inside Chad by the Islamist militants. The raid occurred in the town of Dangdala, near the banks of Lake Chad. One of security sources added that the assailants were believed to have crossed the border from neighboring Niger.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-fighters-kill-23-094359613.html|title=Boko Haram fighters kill 23 Chadian soldiers|date=22 March 2019 |access-date=22 March 2019}}

On 16 June, a triple suicide bombing occurred outside a television-viewing hall in Konduga, Borno.

On 27 July, civilians were massacred as they returned from a funeral in Nganzai, Borno.

On 15 August, Nigerian soldiers were killed during a gun battle with Islamist militants in a village on the outskirts of Borno capital Maiduguri.{{cite web|url=https://thedefensepost.com/2019/08/15/nigeria-boko-haram-molai-maiduguri/|title='Boko Haram' attacks Nigeria military base in Molai, near Maiduguri|date=15 August 2019|access-date=15 August 2019}}

On 20 September, Boko Haram said that its fighters carried out an August attack in Koutougou in northern Burkina Faso that killed 24 soldiers.{{cite web|url=https://thedefensepost.com/2019/09/20/burkina-faso-isis-claims-koutougou-attack-iswap/|title=Burkina Faso: ISIS claims ISWAP conducted Koutougou attack that killed 24 soldiers|date=20 September 2019|access-date=20 September 2019}}

{{main|2020 Gamboru bombing}}

On 6 January, a bombing occurred at a market on a bridge in Gamboru, Borno.

On 9 February, a massacre occurred on the A3 road in Auno, Borno.{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}

{{main|March 2020 Chad and Nigeria massacres}}

On 23 March, Boko Haram fighters attacked soldiers in Boma, Chad, killing 92 and destroying 24 army vehicles. It marked the deadliest ever attack by Boko Haram on the country's military forces, and a serious escalation of conflict.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/92-chad-soldiers-killed-deadliest-boko-haram-attack-200325010212370.html|title=92 Chad soldiers killed in 'deadliest' Boko Haram attack|access-date=25 March 2020}} In its eight-day counter-operation "Operation Bohoma Anger", Chadian army claims to have killed around one thousand Boko Haram fighters while incurring 52 casualties of its own troops.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/chadian-troops-kill-1000-boko-haram-fighters-lake-chad-200409183528130.html|title=Chadian troops 'kill 1,000 Boko Haram fighters' in Lake Chad|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2020-04-12}}{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/063dde9658407fa051d7e2f160127bad|title=Chad says 1,000 Boko Haram killed during week of fighting|date=2020-04-10|website=AP News|access-date=2020-04-12}} Of 58 suspected Boko Haram members, who had been captured during the operation, 44 died in a prison in N'Djamena mid-April 2020. The Minister of Justice Djimet Arabi stated that the men died as a result of poisoning.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/dozens-suspected-boko-haram-fighters-dead-chad-prison-200419084108879.html|title=Dozens of suspected Boko Haram fighters found dead in Chad prison|access-date=19 April 2020}}

On 23 March, at least 50 Nigerian soldiers were killed in an ambush by Boko Haram fighters near Goneri village in Borno. The army stated that all Boko Haram fighters were killed, although the number was not stated.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/3/24/at-least-50-nigerian-soldiers-killed-in-boko-haram-ambush|title=At least 50 Nigerian soldiers killed in Boko Haram ambush|access-date=25 March 2020}}

On 5 April, two Boko Haram suicide bombers killed seven civilians and themselves in Amchide, Far North Region, Cameroon.{{cite news |title=Suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers kill several in northern Cameroon |url=https://france24.com/en/20200406-suicide-bombers-kill-several-in-northern-cameroon-boko-haram |access-date=12 April 2020 |work=France 24 |date=6 April 2020 |language=en}}

On 18 May, Just as people were preparing to break their Ramadan fast after sundown, the sect attacked the Nigerian village of Gajigana, Borno, 29 miles north of the state capital Maiduguri, killing at least 20 people and injuring 25 others. Their rebellion has now claimed more than 20,000 lives and left more than 7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.{{cite news |title=Authorities: Boko Haram attacks Nigerian village, killing 20 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/authorities-boko-haram-attacks-nigerian-village-killing-20/2020/05/18/0be70222-9922-11ea-ad79-eef7cd734641_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527015752/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/authorities-boko-haram-attacks-nigerian-village-killing-20/2020/05/18/0be70222-9922-11ea-ad79-eef7cd734641_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 May 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=22 May 2020}}{{cite web |title=Authorities: Boko Haram attacks Nigerian village, killing 20 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/authorities-boko-haram-attacks-nigerian-village-killing-20-6417478/ |work=TheIndianExpress|date=19 May 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020}}

{{main|Gubio massacre}}

On 9 June, ISWAP killed 81 villagers in Gubio, Borno.{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}

On 13 June in Borno, ISWAP killed at least 20 soldiers in Monguno and more than 40 civilians in Nganzai.{{Cite web |title=20 soldiers, 40 civilians killed in attacks Nigeria's Borno state |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/6/14/20-soldiers-40-civilians-killed-in-attacks-nigerias-borno-state |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}

On 2 August, Boko Haram killed at least 18 people in a grenade attack at an IDP camp.{{Cite web |title=UNHCR outraged by attack on camp hosting displaced people in Cameroon, at least 18 people killed - Cameroon {{!}} ReliefWeb |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/cameroon/unhcr-outraged-attack-camp-hosting-displaced-people-cameroon-least-18-people-killed |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=reliefweb.int |date=4 August 2020 |language=en}}

{{main|Koshebe massacre}}

On 28 November, Boko Haram killed about 110 farmers in Koshebe, Borno.

{{main|Kankara kidnapping}}

On December 11, more than 330 students were abducted from the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, after gunmen with assault rifles attacked their school. Boko Haram later claimed responsibility for this.{{cite web |title=Boko Haram claims abduction of students in northern Nigeria|url=https://apnews.com/article/science-nigeria-kidnapping-abubakar-shekau-cc437a469b56eb2c1842be8ae97cebff |work=Associated Press|date=15 December 2020 |access-date=16 December 2020}}

{{main|Pemi attack}}

On 24 December, Boko Haram killed at least 11 people, burnt a church and kidnapped a priest in the predominantly Christian village of Pemi in Borno.{{Cite news|date=2020-12-25|title=Boko Haram kill villagers in Christmas Eve attack|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55448105|access-date=2020-12-26}} On 26 December, Turkey condemned the terrorist attack, describing it as "heinous". The Turkish ministry extended its sincere condolences to the families of those who died.{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/turkey-condemns-boko-haram-terrorist-attack-in-nigeria/2089621|title= Turkey condemns Boko Haram terrorist attack in Nigeria|access-date=26 December 2020|website=Anadolu Agency}}

On 24 December, 40 loggers were seized by Boko Haram jihadists, while 3 others were killed in the Wulgo forest near the town of Gamboru in Borno. Bodies of three loggers were found in the forest by a militia leader, and the rest were presumed kidnapped.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/26/boko-haram-kidnaps-40-loggers-and-kills-three-in-north-east-nigeria|title=Boko Haram kidnaps 40 loggers and kills three in north-east Nigeria|access-date=26 December 2020|website=The Guardian|date=26 December 2020}}

{{main|2021 Maiduguri rocket attacks}}

On 23 February, Boko Haram killed 10 people in Maiduguri using rocket-propelled grenades.

{{main|Battle of Sambisa Forest (2021)}}

On 20 May, Nigerian intelligence officials said that Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau died after he detonated a suicide vest in order to avoid being captured during a battle with rival Islamist militants aligned with ISIS.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/20/boko-haram-leader-abubakar-shekau-nigeria-forest |title=Boko Haram leader tried to kill himself during clash with rivals, officials claim |website=The Guardian |date=20 May 2021 |access-date=2021-05-20}}{{Cite news|last=Parkinson|first=Drew Hinshaw and Joe|date=2021-05-21|title=Boko Haram Leader, Responsible for Chibok Schoolgirl Kidnappings, Dies|language=en-US|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/boko-haram-leader-responsible-for-chibok-schoolgirl-kidnappings-dies-11621608392|access-date=2021-05-21|issn=0099-9660}} Internal intelligence memos backing this claim were afterwards shown to the Wall Street Journal. Five Nigerian officials, mediators, as well as phone calls intercepted by a West African spy agency backed the report of Shekau's death. After Shekau's death, Boko Haram initially fell under the command of his designated successor, a cleric named Sahalaba. However, a loyal commander named Bakura Doro gradually gained more power and influence within the group. Bakura also succeeded in rallying the remnants of Boko Haram as well as stemming IS advances.{{sfn|Crisis Group|2024|p=5}}

In March, Bakura overthrew and murdered Sahalaba, taking control of Boko Haram.{{sfn|Crisis Group|2024|p=5}} In the same month, Catholic Church sources in Cameroon, near the border with Nigeria, claimed that they had been attacked regularly by Boko Haram militants since September 2021. In one attack "they managed to reach Oupaï by coming through Douval. They killed two people, burned the houses and carried off clothing and small animals. Since mid-February four of the seven areas of the parish have been paralysed. We thought they wouldn't be able to reach Oupaï because it is right on top of a mountain, but we were wrong!" According to an anonymous priest, the attacks seemed to be mostly focused on obtaining supplies. "In the past they entered villages, ostentatiously yelling war cries, but recently they have come discretely, taking advantage of the full moon, to surprise people in their sleep. They kill the fathers of the family and the teenagers, especially the boys. Then they pillage the family's property and destroy everything they can't carry off."{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-03-31 |title=Cameroon: Boko Haram raiders devastate villages |url=https://acninternational.org/boko-haram-raiders-devastate-villages-in-cameroon/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=ACN International |language=en-US}}

On 11 August, 5 soldiers were killed during a terrorist attack in Bwari, Abuja.{{Cite web |last=Bankole |first=Idowu |date=2022-08-11 |title=Army buries Captain, 4 soldiers killed during terrorists' attack in Bwari, Abuja |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/08/army-buries-captain-4-soldiers-killed-during-terrorists-attack-in-bwari-abuja/ |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=Vanguard (Nigeria) |language=en-GB}} The soldiers were serving with the 7 Guards Battalion, Lungi Barracks, Maitama and 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Organisation.

2023 Yobe State attacks: in October, Boko Haram lead one of its most horrific attack in recent years.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}The terrorist group killed 20 mourners returning from a burial of victims of an earlier attack in north-eastern Nigeria, according to police.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} The earlier attack happened in Gurokayeya and claimed the lives of 17 individuals. According to the local police, villagers were killed after refusing to pay the illegal "harvest tax" demanded by the terrorists.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

Over the course of 2023, Boko Haram managed to regain considerable strength under Bakura's leadership. The group managed to expand its holdings and defeated ISWAP in a series of costly battles, taking control of many islands and shore areas of Lake Chad.{{sfn|Crisis Group|2024|pp=1–2}}

Boko Haram was founded by Mohammed Yusuf who led the group from 2002 until his death in 2009. After his death, his deputy, Abubakar Shekau took control of the group and led it until his suicide at the culmination of the Battle of Sambisa Forest in 2021.

Although Boko Haram is organized in a hierarchical structure with one overall leader, the group also operates as a clandestine cell system using a network structure,{{cite web |url=http://www.start.umd.edu/pubs/STARTBackgroundReport_BokoHaramRecentAttacks_May2014_0.pdf |title=Boko Haram Recent Attacks |publisher=National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism}} with units having between 300 and 500 fighters each.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} Estimates of the total number of fighters range between 500 and 9,000.{{cite news|url=http://www.conflict-news.com/boko-haram-worse-isis/ |title=Are Boko Haram Worse Than ISIS? |publisher=Conflict News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317153121/http://www.conflict-news.com/boko-haram-worse-isis/ |archive-date=17 March 2015}}{{cite web |title=Global Terrorism Index 2014 |publisher=Institute for Economics and Peace |url=http://www.visionofhumanity.org/sites/default/files/Global%20Terrorism%20Index%20Report%202014.pdf |page=53 |access-date=23 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216091255/http://www.visionofhumanity.org/sites/default/files/Global%20Terrorism%20Index%20Report%202014.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2015}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/10893889/Al-Qaeda-map-Isis-Boko-Haram-and-other-affiliates-strongholds-across-Africa-and-Asia.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/10893889/Al-Qaeda-map-Isis-Boko-Haram-and-other-affiliates-strongholds-across-Africa-and-Asia.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Al-Qaeda map: Isis, Boko Haram and other affiliates' strongholds across Africa and Asia |date=12 June 2014 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}

Boko Haram is said to have raised substantial sums of money by kidnapping people for ransom. In 2013, Boko Haram kidnapped a family of seven French tourists while they were on vacation in Cameroon and two months later, Boko Haram released the hostages along with 16 others in exchange for a ransom of $3.15 million.{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/fake-charities-drug-cartels-ransom-extortion-where-islamist-group-boko-haram-gets-its-cash-1585743 |title=Fake Charities, Drug Cartels, Ransom and Extortion: Where Islamist Group Boko Haram Gets Its Cash |work=International Business Times |author=Kathleen Caulderwood |date=16 May 2014 |access-date=10 January 2014}}

In addition to extortion from local residents, Boko Haram has claimed to extort money from local state governments. A spokesman of Boko Haram claimed that Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Bauchi State governor Isa Yuguda had paid them monthly.{{cite news|url=http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/mobile/sunday-magazine/cover/34867-tracking-the-sect%E2%80%99s-cash-flow.html |title=Tracking the sect's cash flow |work=The Nation |date=29 January 2012 |access-date=20 March 2012 |last=Ogundipe |first=Taiwo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613065340/http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/mobile/sunday-magazine/cover/34867-tracking-the-sect%E2%80%99s-cash-flow.html |archive-date=13 June 2012 }}

It has long been alleged that Boko Haram had a relationship with al-Qaeda. In 2011, letters from Boko Haram were reportedly found in Osama bin Laden's compound.{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/11/boko-haram-s-bin-laden-connection.html |title=Boko Haram's Bin Laden Connection |website=The Daily Beast|date=11 May 2014 |last1=Lake |first1=Eli }}

Three weeks after the 2009 Boko Haram uprising began, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb expressed sympathy for Boko Haram.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/08/world/africa/abduction-of-girls-an-act-not-even-al-qaeda-can-condone.html|title=Abduction of Girls an Act Not Even Al Qaeda Can Condone|date=8 May 2014|work=The New York Times|access-date=21 May 2016}} Speaking by phone to reporters in November 2012, group spokesman Abu Qaqa said: "We are together with al-Qaeda, they are promoting the cause of Islam, just as we are doing. Therefore they help us in our struggle and we help them, too." The 2012 Reuters special report details how fighters have trained with al-Qaeda affiliates in small groups over at least 6 years.

According to the UN Security Council listing of Boko Haram under the al-Qaeda sanctions regime in May 2014,{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2014/sc11410.doc.htm |title=Security Council Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee |publisher=United Nations}} the group "has maintained a relationship with AQIM for training and material support purposes", and "gained valuable knowledge on the construction of improvised explosive devices from AQIM". The UN found that a "number of Boko Haram members fought alongside al Qaeda affiliated groups in Mali in 2012 and 2013 before returning to Nigeria with terrorist expertise". AQIM is one of al-Qaeda's regional branches, whose leader, Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud, has sworn an oath of allegiance to al-Qaeda's senior leadership.{{cite web |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/05/un_adds_boko_haram_t.php |title=UN adds Boko Haram to al Qaeda sanctions list |date=23 May 2014 |publisher=longwarjournal.org}}

Despite its historic ties with Boko Haram, al-Qaeda central has never officially accepted Boko Haram as an affiliate. The issues which divide AQ and Boko Haram are related to the extremism of Abubakar Shekau with respect to his declaration that the entire Muslim population of Nigeria is non-Muslim. Shekau argued that it was legitimate to kill Muslim civilians based on his belief that apostasy was widespread among the general population of Nigerian Muslims because they voted in elections. Al-Qaeda believes that the general Muslim population of Nigeria should be considered Muslim and based on al-Qaeda's point of view, the killing of civilians is unacceptable.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-boko-haram-nigeria-20150115-story.html |title=How to help Nigerians defeat Boko Haram |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=15 January 2015}}

Boko Haram has engaged in battle with IS W Africa.{{CN|date=May 2025}}

Until the 1990s, the Nigerian military was seen as a force for stability across the region. But by 2014, it was short of basic equipment, including radios and armoured vehicles. Morale was said to be low. Senior officers were allegedly skimming military procurement and budget funds which were intended to pay for the standard issue equipment which is supposed to be provided to soldiers. The country's defense budget accounted for more than a third of the country's security budget of $5.8 billion, but only 10 per cent of this money was allocated to cover capital spending.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-military-insight-idUSBREA4809220140509 |title=Boko Haram exploits Nigeria's slow military decline |work=Reuters|author=Tim Cocks |date=9 May 2014 |access-date=27 October 2014 |archive-date=12 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212224800/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/09/us-nigeria-military-insight-idUSBREA4809220140509 |url-status=live }} A 2016 United States Department of Defense assessment stated that the Nigerian administration's response to the Boko Haram crisis was marred by "high-level corruption" but that the morale in the military had improved after several former senior government officials were arrested on corruption charges.{{rp|9}}

In the summer of 2013, the Nigerian military shut down mobile phone coverage in three north-eastern Nigerian states in order to disrupt Boko Haram's communication and ability to detonate IEDs. Accounts by military insiders and data of Boko Haram incidents before, during, and after the mobile phone blackout all suggest that the shut down was 'successful' from a military-tactical point of view. However, it angered citizens who lived in the region (owing to the negative social and economic consequences of the mobile shutdown) and engendered negative opinions of the state and its new emergency policies. While citizens and organizations developed various coping and circumventing strategies, Boko Haram evolved from an open network model of insurgency to a closed centralized system, shifting the center of its operations to the Sambisa Forest. As a consequence, Boko Haram's changing strategies fundamentally changed the dynamics of the conflict.{{cite journal | last1 = Jacob | first1 = J.U.U. | last2 = Akpan | first2 = I | year = 2015 | title = Silencing Boko Haram: Mobile Phone Blackout and Counterinsurgency in Nigeria's Northeast region. Stability: International | journal = Journal of Security and Development | volume = 4 | issue = 1| page = 8 | doi = 10.5334/sta.ey | doi-access = free }}

In July 2014, Nigeria was estimated to have suffered the highest number of terrorist killings in the world over the past year, 3477, killed in 146 attacks.{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35643:nigeria-tops-world-terror-attack-fatality-list&catid=49:National%20Security&Itemid=115 |title=Nigeria tops world terror attack fatality list |publisher=defenseWeb |author=Oscar Nkala |date=29 July 2014 |access-date=30 July 2014}} The governor of Borno, Kashim Shettima, of the opposition ANPP, said in February 2014:{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-violence-idUSBREA1G1AO20140217 |title=Nigeria Islamists better armed, motivated than army: governor |work=Reuters|author=Felix Onuoh |date=17 February 2014 |access-date=26 July 2014 |archive-date=28 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728121240/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-nigeria-violence-idUSBREA1G1AO20140217 |url-status=live }} {{blockquote|Boko Haram are better armed and are better motivated than our own troops. Given the present state of affairs, it is absolutely impossible for us to defeat Boko Haram.}}

In April 2018, the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, approved a release of $1bn for the procurement of security equipment to fight insurgency and revolt in the country. This announcement came days after an attack by Boko Haram that left 18 dead in northern Nigeria.{{cite web|last1=Adetayo|first1=Olalekan|title=Boko Haram: Buhari approves release of $1bn for security equipment|url=http://punchng.com/breaking-boko-haram-buhari-approves-release-of-1bn-for-security-equipment/|website=Punch|date=4 April 2018}}

In September 2021, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko of the Nigerian Armed Forces announced the surrender of close to 6,000 Boko Haram insurgents.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/almost-6000-boko-haram-fighters-have-surrendered-nigerian-army-says-2021-09-02/|title=Almost 6,000 Boko Haram fighters have surrendered, Nigerian army says|date=2 September 2021|work=Reuters}}

On 15 February 2024, the Borno Government says it has cleared 500 suspects of involvement in terrorism and had them released from the Nigerian Army detention facility at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri.{{Cite web |last=Report |first=Agency |date=2024-02-15 |title=Boko Haram: 500 detained suspects released in Borno |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/668519-boko-haram-500-detained-suspects-released-in-borno.html |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en-GB}}

{{Further|Multinational Joint Task Force}}

After a series of meetings over many months,{{cite web |url=http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/national-news/187812-five-lake-chad-region-nations-meet-over-boko-haram |title=Guardian News Website - Five Lake Chad region nations meet over Boko Haram |access-date=2015-01-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150118204900/http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/national-news/187812-five-lake-chad-region-nations-meet-over-boko-haram |archive-date=18 January 2015}}{{cite news |url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=85939 |title=Jonathan tasks Defence, Foreign Ministers of Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Niger, Benin on Boko Haram's defeat |publisher=sunnewsonline.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119024527/http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=85939 |archive-date=19 January 2015}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/17/west-african-countries-must-unite-fight-boko-haram-nigeria |title=African leaders pledge 'total war' on Boko Haram after Nigeria kidnap |author=Martin Williams |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}} Cameroon's foreign minister announced on 30 November 2014 that a coalition force to fight terrorism, including Boko Haram, would soon be operational. The force would include 3,500 soldiers from Benin, Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria.{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/minister-military-alliance-boko-haram-readies-27289062 |title=Minister: Military Alliance Vs. Boko Haram Readies |work=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |date=1 December 2014 |access-date=1 December 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/cameroon-minister-5-nation-military-force-against-boko-haram-to-be-operational-within-weeks/ |title=Cameroon minister: 5-nation military force against Boko Haram to be operational within weeks |publisher=Fox News}} Discussions between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) about a broader based military force were held in January 2015.{{cite news |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/west-africa-leaders-consider-new-force-to-fight-boko-haram/2600935.html |title=W. African Leaders Consider New Force to Fight Boko Haram |publisher=VOA}}

In early February 2015, an agreement to provide 7,500 African Union troops from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger was tentatively reached. On 2 February 2015, the Nigerian Army said it had recaptured Gamboru from Boko Haram, along with the nearby towns of Mafa, Mallam Fatori, Abadam, and Marte following a joint weekend offensive by Nigerian, Chadian and Cameroonian forces.{{Cite web|title = Nigeria claims Gamboru, four towns recaptured from Boko Haram|work = AFP - Yahoo News|date = 2015-02-02|url = https://news.yahoo.com/nigeria-claims-gamboru-four-towns-recaptured-boko-haram-182136983.html}} By 6 February 2015, Chadian and Nigerian warplanes and ground troops had forced Boko Haram forces to abandon about a dozen towns and villages.{{cite news|title=Nigeria postpones elections, focuses on major offensive against Boko Haram |agency=AP News|work=The Christian Science Monitor|date=February 7, 2015|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2015/0207/Nigeria-postpones-elections-focuses-on-major-offensive-against-Boko-Haram-video}} On 17 February 2015, the Nigerian military retook Monguno in a coordinated air and ground assault. On 6 March 2015, the African Union endorsed the creation of a regional force of more than 8,000 troops to combat Boko Haram.{{cite news|title=Boko Haram conflict: Nigerian allies launch offensive|date=March 8, 2015|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31789412|access-date=May 1, 2015}}

In May 2014, China offered Nigeria assistance that included satellite data, and possibly military equipment.

In October 2015, Colombia sent a delegation of security experts to assist the Nigerian authorities and share expertise on security and counter terrorism.Talatu Usman, [http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/191413-boko-haram-obasanjo-leads-colombian-security-experts-to-buhari.html "Boko Haram: Obasanjo leads Colombian security experts to Buhari"], Premium Times, 12 October 2015. In January 2016, a delegation led by Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai also visited Colombia to exchange information in regards to the war against Boko Haram.{{cite web|url=http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2016/01/in-pictures-lt-general-buratai-visits-colombia/ |title=In Pictures: Lt. General Buratai visits Colombia {{pipe}} The NEWS |publisher=Thenewsnigeria.com.ng |date=2016-01-25 |access-date=2016-05-21}}Andrés Garcia, [http://www.minuto30.com/comandante-del-ejercito-de-nigeria-visita-colombia-para-compartir-experiencias/429859/ "Comandante del Ejército de Nigeria Visita Colombia para compartir experiencias" (Spanish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126113448/http://www.minuto30.com/comandante-del-ejercito-de-nigeria-visita-colombia-para-compartir-experiencias/429859/ |date=26 January 2016 }}, Minuto 30, 25 January 2016.

In March 2015, it was reported that Nigeria had employed hundreds of mercenaries from South Africa and the former Soviet Union to assist it in its effort to make gains against Boko Haram before the 28 March election.{{cite news | title=Nigeria drafts in foreign mercenaries to take on Boko Haram | author=Ed Cropley and David Lewis | date=12 March 2015 | work=Reuters| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-nigeria-violence-mercenaries-idUKKBN0M80VT20150312?irpc=932 | access-date=30 June 2017 | archive-date=24 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924214226/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/12/uk-nigeria-violence-mercenaries-idUKKBN0M80VT20150312?irpc=932 | url-status=live }}

{{main|Operation Turus}}

France and the United Kingdom, in coordination with the United States, have sent trainers and material assistance to Nigeria to assist in the fight against Boko Haram.{{cite news |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/china-insider/article/1507498/china-pledges-help-nigerias-hunt-boko-haram-militants |title=China pledges help to Nigeria's hunt for Boko Haram militants |date=8 May 2014 |work=South China Morning Post}} France planned to use 3,000 troops in the region for counter-terrorism operations. Israel and Canada also pledged support.{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/world/1.591226 |title=France, African states 'declare war' on Boko Haram |date=18 May 2014 |newspaper=Haaretz}}

In 2017, the United Kingdom enforced an emergency assistance package worth $259 million. The United Kingdom has also aided Nigeria through military support and counter-terrorism training. The British government has provided training to 28,000 Nigerian military troops to aid the fight against Boko Haram. More than 40 British soldiers have also been sent on a long-term deployment to Nigeria.{{cite web|last1=Robertson|first1=Nic|title=UK government doubles Nigerian aid package to help fight Boko Haram|url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/08/30/africa/uk-foreign-secretary-boris-johnson-nigeria-visit-boko-haram/index.html|website=CNN|date=31 August 2017}}

On 28 August 2018, the British government produced a press release describing the details of the newly launched partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria which was formed in an attempt to reduce the threat posed by Boko Haram to the citizens of both nations. The press release gave insight into the multiple methods (including community engagement and direct intervention by the Nigerian government) of preventing and reducing the impacts of attacks carried out by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Specific details of the cooperation between the British and Nigerian governments include:

A £13 million programme to educate 100,000 children living in the conflict zone and;

implementing a Nigerian crisis response mechanism to help the government respond to incidents like terror attacks and;

cutting the number of new recruits joining Boko Haram by tackling the false information spread by the group to recruit new members.{{cite web |title=UK and Nigeria step up cooperation to end Boko Haram threat |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-nigeria-step-up-cooperation-to-end-boko-haram-threat |website=GOV.UK |access-date=2020-01-01}}

In 2012, the U.S. Department of State had an internal debate on whether to place Boko Haram on its list of FTOs (Foreign Terrorist Organizations).{{cite news|author=Glenn Kessler|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2014/05/19/boko-haram-inside-the-state-department-debate-over-the-terrorist-label/|title=Boko Haram: Inside the State Department debate over the 'terrorist' label|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=19 May 2014}} The Bureau of Counterterrorism leaned towards designation while the Bureau of African Affairs urged caution. Officials from the Justice Department, the FBI, the CIA, and a number of members of Congress urged the State Department to designate Boko Haram as an FTO.Josh Rogin, [http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/07/hillary-s-state-department-refused-to-brand-boko-haram-as-terrorists.html Hillary's State Department Refused to Brand Boko Haram as Terrorists], Daily Beast (7 May 2014). The Nigerian government voiced its opposition to an FTO designation, citing concerns that it would raise Boko Haram's stature and have implications for humanitarian aid in the region where Boko Haram operated. Twenty academic experts on Nigeria signed a letter to the State Department urging it not to designate Boko Haram as an FTO, saying that it would hinder NGO efforts in the region and might legitimize the Nigerian Army's human rights abuses in its efforts to fight Boko Haram.{{cite web|url=http://carllevan.com/2012/05/boko-haram-letter-to-clinton-from-scholars/|title=Letter to Secretary Clinton from Nigeria Scholars|date=2012-05-21|language=en|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724025805/http://carllevan.com/2012/05/boko-haram-letter-to-clinton-from-scholars/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://carllevan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Boko-Haram-FTO-letter-to-Clinton4.pdf|title=Boko Haram FTO letter to Clinton|access-date=17 September 2016|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218073919/https://carllevan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Boko-Haram-FTO-letter-to-Clinton4.pdf|url-status=dead}}

The U.S. State Department designated Boko Haram and its offshoot Ansaru as terrorist organizations in November 2013, citing Boko Haram's links with AQIM and its responsibility for "thousands of deaths in northeast and central Nigeria over the last several years including targeted killings of civilians".{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/11/217509.htm|title=Terrorist Designations of Boko Haram and Ansaru |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=13 November 2013 |access-date=24 July 2014}} The State Department also cited Ansaru's 2013 kidnapping and execution of seven international construction workers. In the statement it was noted, however, "These designations are an important and appropriate step, but only one tool in what must be a comprehensive approach by the Nigerian government to counter these groups through a combination of law enforcement, political, and development efforts."{{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr3209ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr3209ih.pdf |title=A bill to impose sanctions against persons who knowingly provide material support or resources to Boko Haram or its affiliates, associated groups, or agents, and for other purposes |publisher=U.S. Congress |date=27 September 2013 |access-date=21 November 2014}} The State Department had resisted earlier calls to designate Boko Haram as a terrorist group after the 2011 Abuja United Nations bombing.{{cite web|url=https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CPRT-112HPRT71725/pdf/CPRT-112HPRT71725.pdf|title=Boko Haram: Emerging Threat to the U.S. Homeland |publisher=United States House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence|date=2011}} The U.S. government does not believe Boko Haram is currently (2014) affiliated with al Qaeda Central, despite periodic pledges of support and solidarity from its leadership for al-Qaeda, but is particularly concerned about ties between Boko Haram and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) (including "likely sharing funds, training, and explosive materials").

Efforts to cooperate in freeing the Chibok schoolgirls had faltered, largely due to mutual distrust; the infiltration of the military by Boko Haram meant that U.S. officials were wary of sharing raw intelligence data, and the Nigerian military had failed to supply information that might have aided U.S. drone flights in locating the kidnapped girls. The Nigerian government claims that Boko Haram is "the West Africa branch of the world-wide Al-Qaeda movement" with connections to al-Shabaab in Somalia and AQIM in Mali. The Nigerian government denies having committed human rights abuses in the conflict, and therefore oppose U.S. restrictions on arms sales, which they see as being based on the U.S. mis-application of the Leahy Law due to concerns over human rights in Nigeria. The U.S. had supplied the Nigerian army with trucks and equipment but had blocked the sale of Cobra helicopters. In November 2014 the U.S. State department again refused to supply Cobras, citing concerns over the Nigerian military's ability to maintain and use them without endangering civilians.{{cite web |url=http://www.nigeriaembassyusa.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=357&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01detailtemplate=nigeriadet&cntnt01returnid=108 |title=A Stable and Secure Nigeria: An Asset to America |publisher=Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Washington, D.C. |date=11 November 2014 |access-date=12 November 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30006066 |title=Boko Haram crisis: Nigeria fury over U.S. arms refusal |work=BBC News|date=11 November 2014 |access-date=12 November 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/01/world/with-schoolgirls-still-missing-fragile-us-nigeria-ties-falter.html |title=With Schoolgirls Taken by Boko Haram Still Missing, U.S.-Nigeria Ties Falter |newspaper=The New York Times |author=Eric Schmidt |date=31 December 2014 |access-date=1 January 2015}}

On 1 December 2014, the U.S. embassy in Abuja announced that the U.S. had discontinued training a Nigerian battalion at the request of the Nigerian government. A spokesman for the U.S. state department said: "We regret premature termination of this training, as it was to be the first in a larger planned project that would have trained additional units with the goal of helping the Nigerian Army build capacity to counter Boko Haram. The U.S. government will continue other aspects of the extensive bilateral security relationship, as well as all other assistance programs, with Nigeria. The U.S. government is committed to the long tradition of partnership with Nigeria and will continue to engage future requests for cooperation and training".{{cite news |url=http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2014/12/01/nigeria-ends-us-mission-counter-boko-haram/19743581/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141201234012/http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2014/12/01/nigeria-ends-us-mission-counter-boko-haram/19743581/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 December 2014 |title=Nigeria ends U.S. mission to counter Boko Haram |newspaper=Navy Times |author=Jeff Schogol |author2=Joe Gould |date=1 December 2014 |access-date=1 December 2014}}

On 24 September 2015, the White House announced a military aid package for African allies fighting Boko Haram. The package included up to $45 million for training and other support for Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-boko-haram-whitehouse-idUSKCN0RO2BY20150924|title=U.S. directs up to $45 million to support countries fighting Boko Haram|work=Reuters|date=24 September 2015|access-date=11 October 2015}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} On 14 October 2015, the White House released a statement, in accordance with the War Powers Resolution, announcing the deployment of 300 troops to Cameroon to conduct airborne ISR: "These forces are equipped with weapons for the purpose of providing their own force protection and security, and they will remain in Cameroon until their support is no longer needed."{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/10/14/letter-from-president-war-powers-resolution-cameroon|title=Letter From The President-- War Powers Resolution Regarding Cameroon|author=Barack Obama|date=14 October 2015|via=National Archives|work=whitehouse.gov|access-date=22 October 2015}}

In October 2015, General David M. Rodriguez, the head of the United States Africa Command, reported that Boko Haram has lost territory, directly contradicting statements which were made by Boko Haram. U.S. efforts to train and share intelligence with regional military forces is credited with helping to push back against Boko Haram, but officials warn that the group remains a grave threat.{{cite news | title=Boko Haram Has Lost Territory in Nigeria, U.S. General Says | author=Julian E. Barnes | date=29 October 2015 |work=The Wall Street Journal| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/boko-haram-has-lost-territory-in-nigeria-u-s-general-says-1446136475}}

In January 2019, when thousands of refugees from northeastern Nigeria were forced to return from Cameroon, despite the continuous threat to civilian lives by Boko Haram jihadists, the United Nations was "extremely alarmed". "This action was totally unexpected and puts lives of thousands of refugees at risk," the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi said. The UNHCR appealed to Cameroon "to continue its open door and hospitable policy" and stop any more returns.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/19/thousands-of-nigerian-refugees-fleeing-boko-haram-forced-back-by-cameroon|title=Thousands of Nigerian refugees fleeing Boko Haram forced back by Cameroon|access-date=19 January 2019|newspaper=The Guardian}} In March 2021, the UN announced it was launching a $1 billion appeal in Abuja, with the goal of providing assistance to an estimated nine million northern Nigerians in need of humanitarian aid because of Boko Haram's 11-year insurgency.{{cite web |title=Boko Haram |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c50znx8v435t/boko-haram |website=BBC News |access-date=18 March 2021}}

{{portal|Nigeria}}

• Human rights in Nigeria
• Islam and violence
• Islam in Africa
• Islam in Nigeria
• Islamic extremism in Northern Nigeria
• Islamic fundamentalism
• Islamic terrorism
• Islamism
• Jihadism
• Kabiru Sokoto
• Nigerian Mobile Police
• Religion in Nigeria
• Salafi jihadism
• Salafi movement
• Timeline of the Boko Haram insurgency
• Violent extremism

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web|url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/10/islamic-state-recognizes-oath-of-allegiance-from-jihadists-in-west-africa.php|title=Islamic State recognizes oath of allegiance from jihadists in Mali|website=Long War Journal|date=31 October 2017}}

{{cite magazine|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/03/boko-haram-pledges-allegiance-islamic-state/387235/ |title=The Islamic State of Boko Haram? :The terrorist group has pledged its allegiance to ISIS. But what does that really mean? |author=Adam Chandler |date=9 March 2015|magazine=The Atlantic}}

}}

• {{Cite journal |url = https://www.crisisgroup.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/b196-jas-vs-iswap_0.pdf |title = JAS vs. ISWAP: The War of the Boko Haram Splinters |date = 28 March 2024 |journal = Africa Briefing |issue=196 |publisher = Crisis Group |location = Brussels, Dakar |ref = {{harvid|Crisis Group|2024}} }}

• Abimbola Adesoji: "The Boko Haram Uprising and Islamic Revivalism in Nigeria". In: Africa Spectrum 45/2, 2010, pp. 95–108.
• Roman Loimeier: "[https://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/afsp/article/view/555/553 Boko Haram: The Development of a Militant Religious Movement in Nigeria.]" In: Africa Spectrum 2–3, 2012, pp. 137–155.
• Freedom C. Onuoha: "The Islamist Challenge. Nigeria's Boko Haram Crisis explained" In: African Security Review 19/2, 2010, pp. 54–67.
• Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos (ed.): [https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/23853/ASC-075287668-3441-01.pdf Boko Haram: Islamism, politics, security and the state in Nigeria] (West African Politics and Society Series. No. 2). African Studies Centre, Leiden 2014, {{ISBN|978-90-5448-135-5}}.
• J. Peter Pham: "Boko Haram: The strategic evolution of the Islamic State's West African Province." In: The Journal of the Middle East and Africa 7(1), 2016, pp. 1–18, {{doi|10.1080/21520844.2016.1152571}}.
• Mike Smith: [https://books.google.com/books?id=g--VBgAAQBAJ Boko Haram: Inside Nigeria's Unholy War.] I.B. Tauris, London & New York 2015, {{ISBN|978-1-78453-074-7}}.
• Alexander Thurston, [https://books.google.com/books?id=b00kDwAAQBAJ Boko Haram: The History of an African Jihadist Movement.] Princeton University Press, Princeton & Oxford 2017.
• Muhammad Sani Umar: "The Popular Discourses of Salafi Radicalism and Counter-Radicalism in Nigeria: A Case Study of Boko Haram." Journal of Religion in Africa 42(2), 2012, pp. 118–144.
• Hillary Matfess. 2017. Women and the War on Boko Haram. University of Chicago Press. {{ISBN?}}
• {{cite book |last1=Ekhomu |first1=Ona |title=Boko Haram: security considerations and the rise of an insurgency |date=2020 |publisher=CRC Press |location=Boca Raton, Florida |isbn=978-1-138-56136-6}}
• {{cite journal|last=Shah|first=Radhika|url=https://digitalcommons.northgeorgia.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=ijoss|title=Al-Qaeda versus Boko Haram: Ideologies, Goals, and Outcomes|journal=International Journal of Security Studies|publisher=University of North Georgia|volume=1|issue=1|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319150110/https://digitalcommons.northgeorgia.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=ijoss|url-status=dead}} – Article 5
• Jacob, J. U. and Akpan, I. (2015). "Silencing Boko Haram: Mobile Phone Blackout and Counterinsurgency in Nigeria's Northeast region", Stability: International Journal of Security & Development, 4(1):8, 1–17. {{doi|10.5334/sta.ey}}

{{Commons category|Boko Haram}}

{{wikinews category|Boko Haram}}

• [http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/diffa_incidents_securite_04102015.pdf Diffa/Niger : Attacks by Boko Haram (as of 4 October 2015)]
• {{cite web |url=http://download.salafimanhaj.com/pdf/SalafiManhaj_BokoHaram.pdf |publisher=Islamic Studies Department, University of Bayero |place=Kano, Nigeria |title=Boko Haram: Its Beginnings, Principles and Activities in Nigeria }}
• Counter Extremism Project [http://www.counterextremism.com/threat/boko-haram profile]
• [http://www.stabilityjournal.org/article/view/sta.ey/277 "Silencing Boko Haram: Mobile Phone Blackouts and Counterinsurgency in Nigeria's Northeast Region" by Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob & Idorenyin Akpan (March 2015)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402182931/http://www.stabilityjournal.org/article/view/sta.ey/277 |date=2 April 2015 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150314130119/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/150314-boko-haram-nigeria-borno-rabih-abubakar-shekau/ National Geographic, March 2015] How Northern Nigeria's Violent History Explains Boko Haram
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170307090331/https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/265500.pdf Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016] United States Department of State
• [https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Brookings-Analysis-Paper_Alex-Thurston_Final_Web.pdf 'The disease is unbelief': Boko Haram's religious and political worldview By Alex Thurston] The Brookings Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World, January 2016

{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}

{{Nigerian militant groups}}

{{Militant Islamism in Sub-Saharan Africa}}

{{War on Terror}}

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Category:Boko Haram insurgency

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