Boko Haram insurgency

The Boko Haram insurgency began in July 2009 when a group called Boko Haram started fighting against the government of Nigeria. This group, led by Mohammed Yusuf, wanted to oppose Western education and aimed to change the way the country was run. After Yusuf was killed, the group split into different factions, with Abubakar Shekau becoming a main leader.

Boko Haram targeted many people, including government workers, local defense groups, and leaders who opposed them. Their attacks were very violent, and they seized large areas in northeastern Nigeria. The conflict spread to nearby countries like Cameroon, Chad, Mali, and Niger, causing many problems in the region.

In 2015, Boko Haram aligned with a larger group called the Islamic State, becoming known as the Islamic State's West Africa Province. However, disagreements within the group led to splits. In 2021, a leader named Shekau was killed during fighting between the factions. Many Boko Haram members surrendered to the Nigerian forces, and by July 2023, over 100,000 people, including men, women, and children, had given up. Officials hoped this would help end the conflict soon.

Background

Nigerian statehood

In 1914, Britain combined the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria into one country. After World War I, parts of Cameroon were added to Nigeria, which includes areas now affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Early religious conflict in Nigeria

Main article: Religious violence in Nigeria

Religious tensions in Nigeria have existed since the 1940s and 1950s. In 1966, violence broke out between different groups, which contributed to later conflicts.

Maitatsine

Main articles: Maitatsine and Yan Tatsine

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a leader named Maitatsine led a group that caused many problems and deaths. Even after his death, the group continued for several years.

Establishment of Sharia

Blasphemy and apostasy

Main article: Blasphemy law in Nigeria

In some states, following Sharia law can lead to serious punishments for certain actions. Changing one's religion from Islam is not allowed in these areas.

Demographic balance

According to a Nigerian study on demographics and religion, Muslims make up 50.5% of the population. Muslims mainly live in the north of the country; the majority of Nigerian Muslims are Sunnis. Christians are the second-largest religious group and make up 48.2% of the population. They predominate in the central and southern parts of the country.

For reasons of avoiding political controversy, questions of religion were forgone in the 2006 Nigerian census.

History

Main article: Timeline of the Boko Haram insurgency

2009 Boko Haram uprising

Main article: 2009 Boko Haram uprising

Boko Haram operated mostly peacefully for its first seven years. In 2009, the Nigerian government began investigating the group after learning that its members were arming themselves. Before this, the government had ignored warnings about the group becoming more militant.

Boko Haram’s first uprising failed, and its leader Mohammed Yusuf was killed by the Nigerian government. He started the group in 2002, opposing Western education among his followers. After Yusuf’s death, Abubakar Shekau took over and led the group into an insurgency. With support from other jihadist groups, Shekau focused on overthrowing the Nigerian government. Many battles followed between Boko Haram and Nigerian forces, resulting in many deaths.

2010 resurgence

Months after Yusuf’s death, Boko Haram carried out its first major attack in Borno in January, killing four people. Over the next few years, the violence grew in both frequency and intensity. In September, a prison break in Bauchi freed over 700 Boko Haram members. In December, Boko Haram used bombs to kill people in Jos and attacked churches in Maiduguri.

2011

In May, shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in, bombings killed people. In June, Boko Haram attacked the Abuja police headquarters, marking Nigeria’s first known suicide attack. Two months later, they bombed the United Nations building in Abuja, targeting an international organization for the first time. In November, attacks in Damaturu and Maiduguri killed over a hundred people. In December, Boko Haram attacked several churches with bombings and shootings.

2012

In January, Boko Haram attacked several locations including Mubi, Yola, Gombi, Maiduguri, and Kano. That same month, Abubakar Shekau appeared in a video. By early 2012, the group was responsible for over 900 deaths. In March, a rescue attempt for two hostages in Sokoto ended tragically when both hostages were killed by their captors. Throughout the year, Boko Haram carried out numerous attacks, killing many people in various locations.

2013

Government offensive

In May, Nigerian government forces launched an offensive in Borno region after declaring a state of emergency. The offensive had early success but Boko Haram regained strength, partly due to weaknesses in Nigeria’s security system and military management.

Attacks

Boko Haram carried out many attacks, including killing polio vaccinators in Kano, a suicide bombing in Kano, and battles in Baga, Borno. They also attacked schools, mosques, and convoys, resulting in many deaths.

2014

Chibok kidnapping and ambush

In April, Boko Haram kidnapped about 276 teenage girls from a school in Chibok, Borno. The girls were taken to neighboring countries, and the incident drew international attention. Later, another eight girls were reported kidnapped. Protests arose, with some using a Twitter tag to call for their return.

In May, Boko Haram ambushed Nigerian soldiers searching for the kidnapped girls.

Jos bombings

In May, two bombs exploded in Jos, killing many people. The attacks happened about 30 minutes apart, targeting a marketplace and a hospital parking lot where rescuers were killed.

Maiduguri bombings

Throughout 2014, Boko Haram increased attacks on cities and towns in northern Nigeria, including bombings in Maiduguri.

Escalation in fighting

The growing insurgency led the Nigerian government to launch an offensive, with help from Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, recapturing many areas previously controlled by Boko Haram.

In late 2014, Boko Haram took control of Bama, Borno. Reports described violent scenes in Gwoza Local Government Area, where elderly people were killed.

2015

Baga massacre

In January, Boko Haram attacked Baga, killing up to 2,000 people in what may be their largest massacre.

Maiduguri bombing

In January, a suicide bombing at a market in Maiduguri killed 19 people. Maiduguri is a central location in the Boko Haram insurgency. Later that month, Boko Haram attempted to attack a Cameroonian Army base but were unsuccessful.

Counter-offensive against Boko Haram

In January, a coalition of military forces from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger began a campaign against Boko Haram. They repelled attacks on Maiduguri but faced challenges in other areas. Over the year, many battles took place, with Boko Haram losing some leaders and territories but continuing to carry out attacks.

2016

Bodo bombings

In January, suicide bombers killed over 30 people in Bodo, Cameroon.

Dalori, Dikwa and Maiduguri attacks

Niger Army soldiers during counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram in March

In January, at least 86 people were killed in Dalori, Borno. In February, suicide bombers killed at least 60 people at a camp for displaced persons in Dikwa, Borno. In March, suicide bombers killed 22 people near Maiduguri.

Boko Haram-IS infighting and loss of territory

As Boko Haram’s influence decreased, internal conflicts arose, especially with ISIL. Leadership changes occurred, leading to splits within the group. By the end of the year, Boko Haram had lost most of its territorial holdings but continued to carry out attacks.

2017

In January, Boko Haram attacked a Nigerian Army base in Yobe, killing soldiers. Later, a Nigerian Air Force jet mistakenly bombed a camp for displaced persons in Rann, Borno, resulting in many deaths.

In March, suicide bombers killed people on the outskirts of Maiduguri. Arrests of suspected Boko Haram members were reported in Yobe State.

In September, Boko Haram kidnapped people and killed others in Banki, Borno. Many schools in Borno State were closed due to the insurgency, affecting millions of children’s education.

2018

In February, suicide bombers killed people in Konduga. In March, Boko Haram kidnapped 110 schoolgirls from Dapchi, Yobe.

Throughout the year, two main factions of insurgents remained active, continuing their campaign against the government. Attacks included killings in Maiduguri and kidnappings, with ongoing conflict around Lake Chad.

2019

In January, ISWAP launched a major offensive against Nigerian military bases. Boko Haram carried out attacks, including killings in Konduga and Nganzai, Borno.

2020

The first half of the year was relatively quiet, but attacks resumed later. Boko Haram carried out bombings and killings in various locations, including Gamboru and Auno in Borno. In September, attacks increased, with raids on villages and military operations. In November and December, Boko Haram carried out raids, kidnappings, and attacks around Christmas, targeting both civilians and military forces.

2021

Violence was mostly in the first half of the year. In January, attacks included ambushes on military convoys and battles in various locations. February saw increased action by government forces, with reports of battles and ambushes against Boko Haram and ISWAP. The second half of the year was relatively peaceful, with some reports of attacks and military operations continuing.

2022

In 2022, Nigerian forces made gains, capturing or killing several insurgent leaders. Reports included airstrikes and battles against Boko Haram and ISWAP leaders and fighters. Attacks continued throughout the year, with some reports of battles and killings by both insurgents and military forces.

2023

The year was relatively quiet with limited insurgent activity. Reports included the killing of Boko Haram’s chief bomb maker and some peace talks. Attacks occurred in Geidam district of Yobe State, and Nigerian air force operations targeted Boko Haram hideouts.

2024

At the start of the year, ISWAP began a campaign of increased attacks in Nigeria. In February, ISWAP killed policemen in Borno State. In June, attacks by female suicide bombers killed people in Gwoza. In July, a suicide attack killed people in Konduga, Borno State. Reports also included estimates of Christians killed for their faith in Nigeria.

2025

In June, a suspected female suicide bomber killed people at a market in Borno State. In September, attacks by Boko Haram in Darul Jamal, Borno State, killed many people, including soldiers. In October, Boko Haram seized a border town, burning buildings and forcing people to flee. In November, Boko Haram fought ISWAP bases in Lake Chad. In December, the United States carried out a strike against the Islamic State in northwest Nigeria.

2026

In February, gunmen attacked villages in Kwara State after residents rejected demands, killing many and burning buildings. In May, Boko Haram attacked a Chadian military post, killing soldiers. Later in May, U.S. and Nigerian forces eliminated a key ISIS leader during a joint mission.

Other issues

Possible causes

The northern part of Nigeria had strong Islamic traditions and old social systems that included slavery, which was not fully stopped until 1936. Unlike the south, the north had less contact with Europe and more with the Arab world. This led to differences in education and development between the north and south. Many people in the north did not support Western education, while the south often sent young people to study abroad. This created gaps in learning and opportunities.

Some believe that unfair treatment and inequality, rather than religion, are the main reasons for the conflict. Local leaders have power to decide who counts as an original inhabitant, affecting jobs, land ownership, and voting rights. This system often leaves many people, especially Muslims, without these rights.

Human rights

The fighting has led to many violations of human rights by both sides. The Nigerian forces have formed local defense groups to help control the violence. Sadly, many people have died in prisons run by the military. Boko Haram has taken many children, forcing some into fighting and other harmful roles. They have also made people change their religion and sent some on dangerous missions.

Rehabilitation of insurgents

Some countries plan to help former fighters learn new skills and change their ways, but these plans have not fully started yet. In Nigeria, former fighters have gone through programs to help them rejoin society, but there are worries they might return to violence or still have ties to the group. This makes it hard for them to be accepted by their communities.

Cholera outbreak

In June 2024, health officials in Nigeria reported many cases of a sickness called cholera, with some people passing away.

International context

Main article: War on terror

The conflict involving the group known as Boko Harām is connected to other nearby struggles, such as those in northern Mali. Leaders of this group have ties to other militant organizations outside Nigeria. In 2014, the president of Nigeria described Boko Harām as a major threat in West Africa. There were worries that the fighting might spread to neighboring countries like Cameroon. In 2015, Boko Harām announced support for a larger international group.

In May 2014, leaders from Benin, Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger met in Paris to agree on working together to address the threat. Countries like Britain, France, and the United States offered help, including training and equipment. In December 2025, the President of the USA announced that the US Army had taken action against some Boko Harām groups in Sokoto, with the support of the Nigerian government.