Tag Archives: Boko Haram

Jihadi History: Al-Qaeda’s failed mobilization efforts in Central African Republic

| February 20, 2024

In early 2014, as Muslim civilians were being massacred in Central African Republic as part of a cycle of violence between Muslim and Christian militias, al-Qaeda went on a full-court press in an attempt to foster any jihadist movement to take up arms in the country. These attempts, however, largely fell on deaf ears. As such, this offers a unique glimpse into when, and potentially how, jihadist mobilization attempts fail.

Ansaru reaffirms its allegiance to al Qaeda

| January 2, 2022

In a recent statement released online, Jamaat Ansar al Muslimeen, better known as Ansaru, confirmed it maintains its allegiance to al Qaeda after reportedly re-pledging allegiance to al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in 2020.

Scores dead in suicide bombing at Nigerian mosque

| November 21, 2017

At least 50 people were killed by a suicide bomber during morning prayers at a local mosque in northeastern Nigeria. No group has claimed the attack, but it fits with the modus operandi of that of Abubakr Shekau’s faction.

West Africa hit with spate of suicide bombings

| May 20, 2017

At least a dozen females and another five males have been used in suicide attacks so far this month. The rate of which females are used in this tactic remain on pace to quadruple in 2017 compared to last year.

Osama bin Laden’s files: AQIM commander recommended training Boko Haram’s members

| February 18, 2017

A letter recovered in Osama bin Laden’s compound reveals that a senior AQIM commander recommended that his group train Boko Haram’s forces. Other official sources confirm that AQIM did provide the training and also groomed part of Boko Haram’s leadership. However, one of the Boko Haram leaders identified in the letter later cofounded a splinter group known as Ansaru, which rejects Boko Haram’s policies. Ansaru has been supported by AQIM.

Jihadists argue over leadership of Islamic State’s West Africa province

| August 4, 2016

The Islamic State has named a new wali (governor) for its “province” in West Africa. The move prompted a reply from Abu Bakr Shekau, the longtime leader of Boko Haram who became the wali after announcing his allegiance to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi last year. The SITE Intelligence group translated the Islamic State’s announcement and Shekau’s response.

5 female suicide bombers strike in Nigeria

| October 2, 2015

The Islamic State West Africa has routinely used women and girls to execute suicide attacks in the region. The group has deployed at least 52 female suicide bombers since June 2014. It is likely some of these women and girls were kidnapped and indoctrinated to conduct attacks.

Burka-clad male suicide bomber strikes in Chad capital

| July 12, 2015

The attack in N’Djamena is the third in Chad in less than a month. Boko Haram, which now refers to itself as the Islamic State’s West African province, continues to pose a significant threat to regional security despite losing ground in Nigeria.

Suicide bombers strike Maiduguri

| June 24, 2015

Continuing its offensive against Maiduguri, Boko Haram is suspected of launching two bomb attacks in the Borno state capital on Monday. Over 30 people were killed as two female suicide bombers targeted a popular market.

Boko Haram rolls with the punches, remains a threat

| April 29, 2015

As coalition forces have pushed Boko Haram from its former strongholds, the terrorist group has retained the ability to strike back. Its relatively new official ties to the Islamic State may enhance the group’s longevity, creating a more difficult security environment for Nigeria and its partners.