Boko Haram

Question 1

What is Boko Haram done?

Answer 1

• intially focused on opposing western education
• launched military operations in 2009 to create Islamic state
• Designated a terrorist group by US in 2013
• Declared a caliphate in areas it controlled in 2014
• Most territory now recaptured by army.

Question 2

Why do people turn to Boko Haram?

Answer 2

They are poor and Boko Haram provides them with essentials (e.g. Islamic schools, protection) which they did not get from their government.

Question 3

In what year was Boko Haram leader (Mr Yusuf) killed?

Answer 3

• 2009

- when nigeria’s security forces seized the groups HQs.

Question 4

What is Boko Harams new leader called?

Answer 4

Abubakar Shekau

Question 5

What did Boko Haram originally do?

Answer 5

• used gunmen on motorbikes

- to kill police, politicians and anyone who criticised it (e.g. Christian preachers)

Question 6

What attacks do they tend to do now?

Answer 6

• bomb churches, bus ranks, bars, military barracks

- bombed UN HQ in the capital of Nigeria, Abuja.

Question 7

In April 2014 what did Boko Haram do?

Answer 7

Abducted more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok
-said they would treat them as slaves and marry them off (reference to an ancient Islamic belief that women captured in conflict are considered war booty)

Question 8

How many estimated children do Boko Haram still have captive?

Answer 8

2,000