Boko Haram Insurgency: Ideologies, Operations, and Government Efforts

Boko Haram is one of Africa’s most violent extremist groups, branded one of the world's deadliest by the Global Terrorism Index. Founded around 2002 in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, by Mohammed Yusuf , the group's name translates to "Western education is forbidden". Its core ideology is a radical interpretation of Islam seeking to establish an Islamic Caliphate under Sharia law in northern Nigeria, fueled by anti-Western and anti-state sentiments.
The movement turned into a violent insurgency after Yusuf's death in 2009, with leadership passing to Abubakar Shekau. Operations are primarily concentrated in North-east Nigeria (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa) but have spilled over regionally into the Lake Chad Basin countries of Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, making it a regional threat. Their major violent activities include bombings, mass killings, and kidnappings, notably the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, which marked the peak of their violence and garnered global attention via the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
The Nigerian government's response involves a combined counterinsurgency approach. Military efforts, including operations like Lafiya Dole , neutralized key leaders, including Mohammed Yusuf (2009) and Abubakar Shekau (2021). Non-military efforts include Operation Safe Corridor (2016–present), a program for de-radicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration of repentant insurgents. However, this rehabilitation program faces community concerns and social media distrust over perceived injustice and fear of re-radicalization. Ultimately, achieving long-term peace requires addressing root causes like poverty and governance, alongside security measures.

1. Ideologies, Operations and Government Efforts Boko Haram Insurgency Course: INST 1100 – Introduction to African Studies Presenter: Dolapo Michael Oyedokun Date: October 24, 2025

2. Meet Your Guest Lecturer Name: Dolapo Michael Oyedokun Country: Nigeria Education: BSc, MSc (Comm), MSc (Int. Rel) Major: PhD Communication Studies (Rhetoric & Culture) Contact: [email protected] Office Address: RTV 181 Office Hours: Tu/Th: 2:00 – 3:30pm Teaching Experience Ohio University Fundamentals of Public Speaking Communication Among Cultures Techniques of Group Discussion Nigeria Structure of International Society Elements of Contemporary Global Studies New States in World Politics Citizenship Education

3. Selected Works Oyedokun D. M. (2025). Public Concerns on the Rehabilitation of Boko Haram Insurgents in Nigeria. A poster presentation at the Student Research and Creative Activity Expo, Ohio University, April 8, 2025. Owolabi, F. & Oyedokun, D. M. (2023). Radicalization and re-integration of Boko Haram combatants: Questions of national security. Arts and Social Science Research , 13(4), 41-66. Oyedokun, D. M. (2023). Social Media and Political Participation among Select University Students during the 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria. Ebonyi State University Journal of Mass Communication , 10(1), 93-103. Oyedokun, D. M. & Ogunbanjo , M. A. (2023). Illicit Drugs Trafficking, Institutional Frameworks and Sustainable Development. S. Adejoh , B. Bello, & B. Shotunde , National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and National Security: Perspectives on Drugs, Crime and Human Security (Vol 1). Nigerian Defence Academy Press, 263 - 285 Oyedokun, D. M. (2022). Citizen Journalism and Political Communication in Nigeria: A Nexus? In E. S. Asemah , T. Santas, & D. O. Ekhareafo . Thoughts on Political Communication in Nigeria . Jos: University Press, 259-270.

4. Introduction Boko Haram is one of Africa’s most violent extremist groups. Founded in northeastern Nigeria, it has caused massive humanitarian crises and displacement. Known for violent insurgency against the Nigerian state and Western influence. Declared one of the world’s deadliest terrorist groups by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI, 2024).

5. Context Why study Boko Haram in the broader field of African security? The insurgency has had major implications for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region (displacement, humanitarian crisis, regional spill-over) Questions for today: What are the origins and ideologies of Boko Haram? How and where do they operate (geographically, tactically)? What violence have they committed, when did their violence peak? What has the Nigerian government (and international/regional partners) done in response? What are the contemporary issues (social-media, religious framing, community concerns)?

6. Origin and Evolution The movement officially known as Jama‘atu Ahl as‑Sunnah li Da‘awati wal‑Jihād (JASDJ) — “Group of the People of the Sunnah for Preaching and Jihad”. Founded around 2002 in Maiduguri, Borno State by Mohammed Yusuf. The name “Boko Haram” originates from Hausa ( boko = Western/“book”, haram = forbidden) often rendered as “Western education is forbidden”. Turned violent after Yusuf’s death in police custody in 2009. Leadership passed to Abubakar Shekau, leading to militarization.

7. Ideologies Radical interpretation of Islam opposing democracy, secularism, and Western education. Goal is to e stablish an Islamic Caliphate under Sharia law in northern Nigeria. Anti-Western, anti-Christian, and anti-state sentiments. Recruits often motivated by poverty and neglect. Sharia law in Nigeria is a legal system that coexists with other legal systems like English and customary law, primarily in the country's 12 Muslim-majority northern states. Since 1999, these states have instituted Sharia law to cover both civil and criminal matters, a change that sparked debate and controversy.  The application and specific penal codes can vary between these states, though federal law remains superior and federal authorities can intervene to prevent inhumane sentences.

8. Geographic Operations Strongholds: North-east Nigeria (especially Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states). Formed alliance with ISIS in 2015, rebranding as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Regional spillover into Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. Thus, Boko Haram is no longer only a Nigerian problem but a regional threat. Implication: regional security cooperation is required. .

9. Scope of Operations Operates across the Lake Chad Basin region. Responsible for bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings. Over 2 million people displaced (UNHCR, 2023). Economic and agricultural paralysis in affected regions.

10. Timeline of Major Attacks 2009: Uprising in Maiduguri – hundreds killed. 2011: UN Headquarters bombing in Abuja (FCT) . 2013: School attack in Mamudo , Yobe State, killing 42 people, mostly students 2014: Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping. 2015: Baga massacre – over 2,000 civilians killed. 2020–2022: Attacks on military bases and local communities. Impact: civilian deaths, destruction of infrastructure, displacement of populations, schooling disruption (especially for girls). Highlight: mass kidnappings and targeting of students and schools as a hallmark of Boko Haram’s violence

11. Peak of Violence & International Attention The 2014 Chibok kidnapping ( 276 girls) drew global outrage. 276 Abducted 57 Escaped 107 Released 112 Still Missing #BringBackOurGirls campaign gained international traction. Regional efforts intensified (e.g., creation of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in 2015). U.S., UK, and France offered intelligence and technical support. Boko Haram listed by the UN as a global terrorist organization.

12. Nigeria in Global Terrorism Index

13. Government Efforts – Overview Counterinsurgency approach combines military and non-military measures. Goals: degrade insurgent capacity, restore peace, rehabilitate communities. Collaboration with MNJTF, ECOWAS, AU, and UN. UN, U.S., and France provide humanitarian and logistical support.

14. Government Efforts – Military Tactics Formation of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in 2011. Launch of Operation Lafiya Dole (Peace by Force) in 2015. Use of air raids, ground offensives, and intelligence operations. Partnerships with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon (MNJTF). Increased arms procurement from U.S., Russia, China, etc. Several top commanders neutralized: - Mohammed Yusuf (2009) - Abubakar Shekau (2021) - Mallam Bako & Abu Musab al-Barnawi (2021–2022) Territories reclaimed: Bama, Gwoza , Dikwa . ISWAP weakened by leadership rivalry.

15. Government Efforts – Rehabilitation and Reintegration Operation Safe Corridor (2016–present): for repentant insurgents. Offers de-radicalization, vocational training, and counseling. Managed by Defence HQ with UNDP and NGOs. Motif Behind Rehabilitation Reduces insurgent numbers through amnesty. Promotes peacebuilding and reconciliation. Encourages intelligence sharing by ex-combatants. Criticism: perceived injustice to victims.

16. Government Efforts – Rehabilitation and Reintegration Reintegration Outcomes Community Concerns Social Media Sentiments Ex-combatants recruited into paramilitary intelligence. Assist in locating Boko Haram hideouts. Over 1,000 fighters reintegrated since 2016 (UNDP, 2023).   Stigma on the side of ex-combatants. Mixed reactions among locals and displaced persons. Distrust toward ex-terrorists rejoining society. Fear of re-radicalization and revenge attacks.   Online debates polarized. Critics: rehabilitation rewards terrorism. Supporters: promotes restorative justice. #ReintegrationDebate, #SafeCorridor trends show distrust in government sincerity.  

17. Boko Haram and Religious Propaganda Recent discourse frames Boko Haram as part of a religious war against Christians. International media attention increased Government insists Boko Haram targets all citizens. Emphasizes unity and coexistence. Promotes interfaith dialogue. Sentiments Used as propaganda for sympathy and funding. Some claim the government’s approach blurs civil rights

18. Conclusion Boko Haram remains a threat despite leadership losses. Military efforts have weakened its structure. Long-term peace needs addressing poverty and governance. Security, development, and reconciliation are key.