Boko Haram

The organisation Wilāyat Gharb Ifrīqīyyah founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2002 is better known as 'Boko Haram'

Boko Haram is an Islamic extremist group based in northeastern Nigeria, also active in Chad, Niger and northern Cameroon

The name "Boko Haram" is usually translated as "Western education is forbidden"

What is Boko Haram?

Boko Haram (which means Western education is forbidden in the Hausa language) is an armed group that opposes secular authority. Founded in 2002, it has been fighting the Nigerian state since 2009.

How big is their force?

With an estimated 15,000-strong force, the group has launched a fresh wave of violence that has dealt a blow to an operation launched in February by Nigerian troops with the help of Chad, Niger and Cameroon. The four-country offensive had chalked up a number of victories against the jihadists.

Who is their leader?

Abubakar Shekau, who heads the council of elders called Shura, took power after former leader, Mohammad Yusuf, was killed in custody by the Nigerian police in 2009. 

Who funds them?

Most of their funds come from looting towns, bank robberies and money collected in ransom. Some claim the group has links with Nigerian politicians and international jihadi groups.

How do they operate?

Boko Haram carries out murderous assaults on an almost daily basis. Often they abduct unmarried women and girls. In April 2014 they kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from Chibok.

Why are they doing this?

Boko Haram seeks to impose its rule on the people of northeast Nigeria. In August 2014, Boko Haram’s leader declared the territory to be a ‘caliphate’. It now calls itself the “Islamic State's West Africa Province”. 

What is being done to stop them?

An 8,700-strong Multi-National Joint Task Force, drawing troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin, is expected to be deployed soon