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.
At least seven suicide attacks perpetrated by the Islamic State West Africa (formerly known as Boko Haram) in the last three weeks have been conducted by women.
The Islamic State West Africa (formerly known as Boko Haram) has utilized dozens of women and girls as suicide bombers over the last two years.
The claim of responsibility for last month’s suicide attacks in Chad comes after the jihadist group killed more than 200 people in Nigeria last week.
In its latest attacks, the Nigerian-based terrorist group Boko Haram targeted Muslims celebrating Ramadan.
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.
The suspected Boko Haram attacks in both Niger and Chad continue to demonstrate that the jihadist group is a threat to regional stability and not just Nigeria.
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.
Nigerian soldiers retreat from mined Boko Haram stronghold
Boko Haram crisis: Nigeria begins Sambisa ground offensive
Nigeria denies that Boko Haram kidnapped hundreds in northeast
As forces from Nigeria, Chad, and Niger continue to push Boko Haram from its strongholds in northeastern Nigeria, the group has continued to inflict damage upon civilians. Earlier this month, Boko Haram kidnapped over 400 young women and children from the Nigerian town of Damasak near the border with Niger.
While Nigeria and its military partners are wresting control of northeast Nigeria from Boko Haram, it is becoming apparent that the fight against the jihadist group will continue regardless of the group’s ability to hold land.
Nigerian, Cameroon troops oust Boko Haram from town, village
In a new audio speech, the Islamic State’s spokesman, Abu Muhammad al Adnani, accepts the pledge of allegiance made by Boko Haram’s leader earlier this month.
Chad, Niger launch joint offensive against Boko Haram in Nigeria
Boko Haram’s leader, Abu Bakr Shekau, has pledged allegiance to the emir of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi.
Nigerian city of Maiduguri hit by multiple blasts.
Chadian soldiers kill 207 Boko Haram fighters in Nigeria, army claims
Divisions between Boko Haram and rival Ansaru have become more pronounced over the past several weeks.
Female suicide bomber kills 10 in Nigerian bus station
Female suicide bomber kills 10 in Nigerian bus station
A female suicide bomber blew herself up in a market in Biu in northeastern Nigeria, killing at least seven people. Political violence has killed 58 people in the run-up to Nigeria’s elections. A poll by Transparency International ranked the country’s political leadership as the world’s most corrupt.
Thousands flee Niger town after Boko Haram attacks
The Nigerian National Security Adviser promises that there will not be another election postponement due to security issues. A report states that Boko Haram has gathered fighters to attack again Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.
Nigeria is postponing upcoming elections for six weeks to focus on an offensive against Boko Haram. Nigeria, along with Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad have jointly pledged to deploy an additional 8,700 troops in the fight against the jihadist group.
Boko Haram has attacked Niger for the first time. Fierce counterattacks by Chadian and Nigerian forces reportedly killed over 100 Boko Haram fighters. A Chadian general was also wounded in the battle.
Chadian forces crossed the border and stormed several towns held by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria. Fierce fighting has reportedly killed hundreds of insurgents over the past week. Battles continue in several strategic towns in the Lake Chad area.
Chadian troops crossed the border into Nigeria and ejected Boko Haram from the town of Gamboru, which the group has held for several months. The Nigerian military claimed the country’s sovereignty remains intact. Nigerian and Chadian warplanes have bombed the jihadist group “out of a slew of northeastern Nigerian towns.” Boko Haram’s pressure on Maiduguri […]
Chadian forces crossed into Nigerian territory and took the town of Malam Fatori in Borno state from Boko Haram; the Nigerian air force also conducted airstrikes on the town. An mob angry about the rise of Boko Haram stoned the convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan in Jalingo; a recent poll indicates that the upcoming presidential […]