[1] In addition to this, the Nigerian government has a long history of corruption and highly repressive military responses to both political and social threats. A 38-year-old man who survived the suicide attack said on January 28 that he had not slept at home since January 8 and spent his nights, from about 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., in the veranda of a secondary technical school, along with his two wives and six children: I sleep with all my family on one single mat on the veranda of the school, which is 20 meters from the gendarmerie brigade. The head of Nigeria's primary healthcare agency has stated that they are expecting 41 million doses of the vaccine with additional considerations occurring for the vaccines from both Russia and India. In early March, a young child died, and her family told Amnesty International she was malnourished and that they believed that factor contributed to her death. [3] Rising organized crime has allowed Boko Haram to highlight the weaknesses of the Nigerian government in countering this, and therefore, they are able to use it for propaganda and recruitment purposes. The Nigerian Police Force and Zero Accountability on 135 Billion Naira VIP Police Revenue, Demand justice for the violent repression of. Share this via Twitter I rushed to rescue the wounded, including a 28-year-old man who was shot in the right shoulder, a 16-year-old child who was shot in the heel, and a 45-year-old man who was shot in the ribs. Depending on the season and your duration of stay, you may be eligible for up to a 10% discount. During raids, Boko Haram fighters stole almost everything they could find. Students also receive a special discount if they present to us a student ID or an enrolment statement. Many women remain frustrated that no-one from the government or the humanitarian community has spoken with them to understand the targeting of women during attacks, and what support is needed now. Smuggling routes through Libya and Niger are undetected and have created opportunities for Boko Haram to obtain RPGs and other light weapons such as anti-aircraft guns. WebPublished Sept. 23, 2021 Updated Nov. 2, 2021 MAIDUGURI, Nigeria For over a decade, the extremist group Boko Haram has terrorized northeastern Nigeria killing tens of Girls are also generally seen as inherently non-threatening or innocent to security forces so they can more easily infiltrate hard targets, thereby causing greater destruction and resulting in more casualties. [15] The group usually resorts to coercion, as many of the girls would not voluntarily marry a fighter of their own free will. Violent criminal groups are effective at using intelligence gathering methods and therefore will be a great assistance to Boko Haram and understanding more about the regions they hope to move into. WebFounded by Muhammed Yusuf in northeastern Nigeria in 2002, Boko Haram was forced underground in 2009 after Nigerian police forces killed over seven hundred members, Those who order or commit such attacks with criminal intent are responsible for war crimes. While the Nigerian government denies any negotiations or paid ransom, it is likely the group got something in return for the girls. Isis ordered death of Abubakar Shekau over concerns about indiscriminate targeting of believers. As Cameroons Far North region increasingly becomes the epicenter of Boko Harams violence, Cameroon should urgently adopt and carry out a new, rights-respecting strategy to protect civilians at risk in the Far North.. We live in fear, a 50-year-old man said. It also aids Boko Haram in its narrative that if a young girl or boy joins the group voluntarily, they will be offered security measures they would not otherwise have access to. Boko Haram fighters attacked Blabline again at about 11 p.m. on December 4. It is not the type of work civilians should do. Nigeria's school abductions: Why children are being targeted. WebBoko Haram released a seven-minute video Friday, showing the Nigerian Alpha jet flying above its fighters. Is Nigeria becoming impossible to govern? The 2014 internal Message to Fulanis video in which the group paid thanks to the state of Katsina in northern Nigeria and other unspecified locations highlights that the group has aimed to expand their influence throughout Nigeria. Through their increase of kidnapping and receiving ransom, they are able to fund themselves for short term interests such as purchasing more advanced weapons or potentially vehicles. I was very afraid. They shot my brother in his heel as I jumped off a little wall to save my life. Kidnappings will continue to have a detrimental effect on the Nigerian population. There are concerns that armed criminal gangs in other parts of the north and centre of the country are forging links with the militants. [18] As seen in the previous sections, there are clear concerns regarding potential advancements in the interests, tactics, as well as capabilities of Boko Haram. You need to address the root causes of the insurgency," Mr Adamu says. In the shadow of Nollywood, filmmakers examine Boko Haram March From April 2011 to June 2017, Boko Haram deployed over 434 suicide bombers, at least 56% of who were women, and 81 of whom were specifically identified as children or teenagers. As they fled towards the nearby bush, witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion. The group already has a strong presence in the northeast region and by joining with local criminal groups throughout northern Nigeria, Boko Haram is able to utilize local knowledge of the groups, as well as strengthen relations they have with the local population. If other groups initially refuse to join, Boko Haram has the resources to force others into cooperating to strengthen their influence. Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. One of the witnesses said: I was a few meters away from the scene. Youll also have access to a fully-equipped kitchen where you can prepare meals for yourself. February 27: the group released all 42 people that were kidnapped on February 17. The Boko Haram violence in Cameroon has led to a major humanitarian crisis, forcing over322,000 people from their homes since 2014, including 12,500 since December. Screen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. She Had Another Idea. This has also devastated the livelihoods of people in north-east Nigeria who rely on fishing and crop farming, and had an impact on food production. The 2014 internal Message to Fulanis video in which the group paid thanks to the state of Katsina in northern Nigeria and other unspecified locations highlights that the group has aimed to expand their influence throughout Nigeria. This is a humanitarian crisis that is getting worse day-by-day. In addition to the short term rewards, kidnappings also offer groups such as Boko Haram long term strategic advantages, including: Procreation and breeding the next generation of fighters; Long term goals to undermine the government and capitalize on local grievances. As the group has actively been forming alliances with other bandits in the region, it is, An increase in the activity of Boko Haram in Nigeria has resulted in an influx of violent attacks, including through the use of kidnappings and rocket strikes. Furthermore, as the group continues to form alliances with other bandits in the region and participate in proxy attacks, it is highly likely there will continue to be a surge in attacks. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. However, it has left vast swathes of rural communities unprotected, analysts say. Then afterwards, the women were confused. Illegal Gold Mining Funding Armed Groups in Sahel: Interpol, The Defense Post, December 2020, https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/12/21/illegal-mining-armed-groups-sahel/, Nigeria Emergency, UNHCR, December 2020, https://www.unhcr.org/uk/nigeria-emergency.html, Boko Haram teams up with bandits in Nigeria, Institute for Security Studies, March 2021, https://issafrica.org/iss-today/boko-haram-teams-up-with-bandits-in-nigeria. A family member of the fisherman who died said that BIR soldiers brought his body to their home hours after he was arrested, claiming he had died of a heart attack. Experts say that it is not that people in the north-east sympathise with Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State's West Africa Province, but that neglect from the authorities and desperation often drive people into the hands of the militants. Witnesses said they knew the perpetrators belonged to Boko Haram, and not the Nigerian military, for several reasons. WebBoko Haram fighters targeted women and girls with rape and other sexual violence, amounting to war crimes, during recent raids in northeast Nigeria, new research by The two fishermen and the family member said they believe the security forces killed him. Boko Haram has also frequently targeted aid workers trying to respond to the crisis. Why a $30m scheme failed to stop school abductions, The kidnapped woman who defied Boko Haram, More than 20,000 Russians dead in Bakhmut, US says, France May Day protests leave dozens of police injured, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic. The video also showed the remains of a man who was described as the pilot of the plane by a Boko Haram fighter who spoke in the local Hausa language. Although a seismic event, the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau last month after his base was overrun by a rival jihadist group is unlikely to end an 11-year insurgency in northeastern Nigeria that has upended millions of lives, analysts and aid workers say. A 43-year-old man later died three days later at the Koza Adventist hospital from wounds caused by the explosion. In a previous Boko Haram attack on Darak in June 2019, insurgents killed 21 soldiers and 16 civilians.Gouzoudou The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) believes that Boko Haram is most likely the perpetrating group behind these attacks and estimates it is highly probable the group will continue increasing attacks in the region. Boko Haram. That the operation against Shekau was launched on the direct orders of the leadership of Isis in the Middle East, which is concerned by Boko Harams indiscriminate targeting of believers, underlines the continuing global reach of the group through its affiliates and the possibility of further expansion in Africa. In another attack on January 11, insurgents looted four homes. I have no whistle, no weapon, no phone. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? As the group continues attacking and the instability in the region continues to increase, Boko Haram will likely and successfully strengthen its foothold in the region by utilizing tactics such as kidnapping, which offers them many strategic advantages. Heightened security measures in rural areas in response to Boko Harams attacks, may, in fact, benefit the group. Violent criminal groups are effective at using intelligence gathering methods and therefore will be a great assistance to Boko Haram and understanding more about the regions they hope to move into. The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) - 2023 - This website and all of its contents are copyrighted by The Counterterrorism Group, Inc. 2023. January 2: Boko Haram abducted Garba Idris, a UN staff member. The reproductive capacity of young girls and women offers the group an incentive to kidnap that specific demographic. Witnesses consistently described fighters arriving on motorbikes and on foot, before firing into the air. Exploding Stereotypes: The Unexpected Operational And Demographic Characteristics of Boko Harams Suicide Bombers. Months after settling near the IDP camp, the communities have still not received any assistance, including food, shelter, or health care. https://www.inclusivesecurity.org/publication/women-as-symbols-and-swords-in-boko-harams-terror/#:~:text=Women, [16] They Ordered Her to Be a Suicide Bomber. Hostel Lombardia offers affordable accommodation to its visitors. While 279 girls were released on March 2, the original reports highlighted that 317 girls were kidnapped. While Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility for all of the kidnappings, historically, kidnapping has been a common tactic the group has used. As this has proven to be a tried and tested effective methodology utilized by Boko Haram, it is highly likely that they will continue to use young girls as a crucial tool in their suicide bombing campaigns. This helps save even more money. We also offer discounts and other great promotions from time to time. This correlates with their wider strategy of exploiting poverty and pre-existing issues within local government, to further their cause. This new strategy of building alliances with criminal groups is a part of Boko Harams expansionist agenda. When it was time, Allah set out brave soldiers after receiving orders from the leader of the believers, he said, according to a report on the Humangle website. An Executive Summary on Boko Harams recruitment of Children by The Counterterrorism Group highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic has increased those who require humanitarian assistance by over 50 percent, pushing the region into even greater instability and creating a prime landscape for Boko Haram to exploit. Boko Haram claims kidnapping of over 300 boys in Nigeria, marking an alarming move west. Human Rights Watch spoke to five witnesses to the attack, including three family members of victims. If you are talented and passionate about human rights then Amnesty International wants to hear from you. "People are readily available for recruitment just to survive," security expert Abdullahi Yalwa said, citing the problems of joblessness and poor governance. The video fuels fears that ISWAP is consolidating control of the insurgency in northeastern Nigeria following the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau last month. There was no member of the vigilante committee or soldier with us that night. With multiple kidnappings in a short time period, coupled with an RPG attack, a new tactic utilized by the group, CTG assesses with high probability that Boko Haram will continue to plague the region with violence and havoc. "We will unite together to fight the (unbelievers)," one Boko Haram fighter said in Hausa. Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Secretary to the State Government disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) in Minna on Monday. WebStay on top of Boko Haram latest developments on the ground with Al Jazeeras fact-based news, exclusive video footage, photos and updated maps. The nature of the new attacks represents a significant shift in attitudes of the group as a whole. I was taken to the hospital, where I stayed for 15 days. Therefore, attracting the Nigerian military attention to another region allows for Boko Haram to demonstrate its strength whilst gaining a zone in which it can operate freely whilst being perceived as strong and victorious by local residents. Audio, 18 minutesThe Documentary Podcast, 'Why I returned to Boko Haram and how I escaped', West Africa's IS leader is dead - Nigeria, We are winning the war against insecurity - Nigeria. There are major government initiatives that are meant to speed up development in the north-east, but little progress has been made. They may do so by attacking and stealing vaccines and offering the supplies as their own. Finally, CTG recognizes that there are missing incidents and data. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. However, the C-TJFs have been accused of extrajudicial killings of terrorist group members, which has led to retaliatory attacks on the city. Human Rights Watch also obtained lists of the 14 people killed from four sources and spoke to relatives and residents who carried out the burials. Even when it comes to the fighting there is the problem of weaponry, according to Mr Adamu, who says that the military is ill-equipped. The Cameroonian military has deployed thousands of soldiers to the Far North region to prevent and repel attacks by Boko Haram, but residents and humanitarian workers said the soldiers presence is far too thin to effectively protect civilians. On December 16, at about 1:45 a.m., a group of five Boko Haram fighters attacked the home of Gouzoudous traditional authority, known as the lawane, firing several gunshots and wounding two men. Kidnappings, especially young girls or boys in such large numbers, garners mass propaganda for Boko Haram, which they exploit to separate themselves from other Islamic extremist groups in the region. This has the potential to be utilized as a recruitment tool, as they will be in a position to offer a safe place that the Nigerian government has failed to. Were your destination hostel whenever you visit Lombardy for study, vacation or even business. This should build on the military's air superiority, which Mr Adamu believes is not being used to its full advantage. Most of them had visible stab wounds. Mr Yalwa says that in some cases the fight against Boko Haram is not being fought with "sincerity" and "it seems some people have turned it into merchandise and are into self-enrichment". They said Boko Haram fighters arrived on pirogues without engines and only fired a few gunshots to limit any noise that could have prompted soldiers to intervene. Boko Haram fighters targeted women and girls with rape and other sexual violence, amounting to war crimes, during recent raids in northeast Nigeria, new research by Amnesty International has revealed. "Yes, the military will dislodge the terrorists but then because they are still able to exercise influence, they're able to recruit, they're able to generate funding, they're able to acquire weaponry, then they regroup.". While the kidnappees are now safe, this raises a concern, as when the government complies with kidnappers demands, publicly or otherwise, it sets a dangerous precedent for future kidnappings and is likely to encourage the group to continue kidnapping for successful ransoms. Recently, Boko Haram has implemented a new strategy of actively building alliances with criminal bands and groups in order to expand and strengthen their presence in northwest and north-central Nigeria. In audio obtained by However, it lacks kitchen equipment. Some tried to move into the camp, but were told it was full. March 3: Bandits broke into the Sokoto Commissioners Residence and abducted two relatives. This is bolstered by the leader of the group, Abubakar Shekaus recent message, suggesting the kidnappings aim to prevent and disrupt Western education in the region.[11]. Some are begging. Newsday. While attacks at physical vaccination centers are likely, there is also an increased risk of attacking the vehicles used for transporting the vaccine. There are also other aspects of the strategy that have been criticised. Building alliances will make Boko Haram an even stronger threat to the Nigerian government, with the long term potential to lead to them being perceived as a viable alternative. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules. [23] Boko Haram will continue to exploit the local grievances and undermine the Nigerian government. During raids, usually at night, Boko Haram fighters raped women and girls who were caught at home or trying to flee. They took myjewelleryand belongings. Human Rights Watch spoke to the lawane, as well as seven witnesses to the attack. Audio, 00:06:53How division in Nigeria is fuelling the kidnapping crisis, Nigeria is struggling to contain militants in the north and separatists in the south, The Inquiry. Recent attacks in Borno State marked by war crimes, including rape and other sexual violence, as well as murder and mass pillage, Nigerian authorities and partners must provide food and services to affected communities, that during the same attack fighters shot people who were running away, then came to her house and sexually assaulted her. WebUnderstanding the rise of Boko Haram How the militant Islamic group took hold in northern Nigeria BBC World Service Available for over a year 18 mins 'Why I returned to Boko But a recent spike in deadly violence, focused in the north-east, where the Islamist group began its insurgency in 2009, has led many to ask what is at the root of the authorities' failure. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Web(Nairobi) The Islamist armed group Boko Haram has stepped up attacks on civilians in towns and villages in the Far North region of Cameroon since December 2020, killing at As Nigerias kidnapping crisis worsens, what can be done to make the country safe? Boko Haram can also benefit from measures introduced by the Nigerian government. The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) believes that Boko Haram is most likely the perpetrating group behind these attacks and estimates it is, While Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility for all of the kidnappings, historically, kidnapping has been a common tactic the group has used. Bathrooms may be private or shared depending on the type of rooms on offer. The same healer had previously treated two other survivors, including one who was under 18 years old, after a Boko Haram attack on another village. Stigma and fear of repercussions mean such incidents are significantly underreported, even within affected communities. Nigerias Chibok schoolgirls: Five years on, 112 still missing. She said: In the next house, I started hearing some women were shouting and screaming and crying. Human Rights Watch shared the research by email with Cyrille Serge Atonfack Guemo, the Cameroonian army spokesperson, on February 1 and again on March 19, requesting information about the Boko Haram attacks, the ongoing military operations, and the specific allegations Human Rights Watch documented. Human Rights Watch spoke to five witnesses to the attack, including the village chief who said that the attackers had looted 80 of the villages 142 households. A 43-year-old woman who lost two of her children, a 17-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, in the suicide attack said: Boko Haram [fighters] fired shots and screamed Allahu Akbar [God is Great]. We target visitors whore looking for short-term or long-term stay at affordable costs. Girls often face sexual violence and brutal rapes when in Boko Harams captivity, signalling the importance of breeding a new generation of fighters; fighters who are indoctrinated since birth and hence, more loyal to Boko Harams cause, and more difficult to counter. Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. Other ways to share Confirmed, the death of Abubakar Shekau -- the leader of Nigerian jihadist extremist group Boko Haram. I saw a 7-year-old child covered in blood running toward me. Moreover, kidnapping children and training them to become soldiers provides Boko Haram with a stable flow of new members, allowing them to increase their operating capabilities. If the attacks are attributed to other bandits in the region, it is likely Boko Haram has teamed up with them or is controlling them. So clearly the Super Camps left the rural communities more vulnerable," argues Mr Adamu. Boko Haram loosely translates to Western education is forbidden and is likely another reason propelling the group to kidnap school children. Share this via LinkedIn Nigerias Boko Haram: Frequently Asked Questions. All rights reserved. Human Rights Watch was not able to independently verify the number of civilian deaths.Local authorities told international and national media outlets that scores were killed in the attack. WebYaounde . The faction was adopted later by Islamic States leadership in Iraq and Syria as its affiliate in the area after Shekau proved impossible to control. But residents said these military reinforcements appear to have left. Aid workers and residents said that increasing the military presence and military patrols in violence-prone areas, including on market days, would both improve civilian protection and expand humanitarian access by enabling aid workers to safely travel without escorts.MozogoRaid and Suicide Attack This means that sometimes it appears that "the insurgents are ahead of the military", Mr Yalwa says. Boko Haram terrorists have taken over five communities in Rafi and Shiroto Local Government Areas of Niger state, an official of the state said. Is Boko Haram carrying out school kidnappings? Shekau was responsible for using young women and girls as suicide bombers as well as the abduction of 300 female students from a college in 2014, in an incident that made global headlines. [19] However, the threat level for Nigeria will be different as groups like Boko Haram, who have clear interests to display their strength and cause distrust towards the Nigerian government, may attempt to disrupt government distribution of the vaccine. According to information collected by Human Rights Watch, about 100 Boko Haram fighters on wooden pirogues stormed an area of Darak known as Tonganamie, where night fishermen cast their nets, at about midnight. Barnawi, who is seen as a relative moderate among extremist leaders in the region, had been given the leadership role by an auditing mission sent from the Middle East by Isis earlier this year, said Vincent Foucher, an expert in Islamist extremism in Nigeria with the International Crisis Group. A female suicide bomber had infiltrated a group of fleeing civilians and detonated her explosive vest, killing 11 people on the spot, including 8 children, and wounding 3 others, including 2 children. After repeated displacement, the affected communities have mostly moved to military-controlled areas, but many have yet to receive any humanitarian assistance. Boko Haram fighters targeted women and girls with rape and other sexual violence, amounting to war crimes, during recent raids in northeast Nigeria, new research by Amnesty International has revealed. Boko Harams new tactics imperil Nigerias countryside, International Peace Institute, November 2017, https://theglobalobservatory.org/2017/11/boko-harams-new-tactics-imperil-countryside/. A 40-year-old man whose village was raided told Amnesty International: Before, if you came to our house, youd see we had cows and goats. Incentives such as a Quran education are appealing to young girls in Nigeria. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/4/14/nigerias-chibok-schoolgirls-five-years-on-112-still-missing, [18] Nigeria expects 41 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from African Union, Reuters, February 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-nigeria-vaccine/nigeria-expects-41-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-from-african-union-idUSKBN2A13FS, [19] Security Threats to the COVID-19 Vaccine Process, CTG, January 2021, https://www.counterterrorismgroup.com/post/security-threats-to-the-covid-19-vaccine-process, [20] Flash Alert: Kidnapping for Profit in Northern Nigeria, CTG, February 2021, Corruption may be one thing that is holding the military back when it comes to improving its equipment. The multinational force has conducted joint military operations across the Lake Chad basin. The reproductive capacity of young girls and women offers the group an incentive to kidnap that specific demographic. How many has he terrorised? It took us three days to collect them all. I swam and reached the grass side [of a nearby marsh]. On May 19, 2021, Abubakar Shekau, the longtime leader of Boko Haram (also known as Jam'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihd or JAS) was killed during a clash with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). An error occurred while subscribing your email address. In 2014, the Chibok Bring Back Our Girls'' campaign drew widespread attention, and more recently, the Jangebe abductions amassed international media attention, with, Furthermore, with more international attention on the havoc the group creates, the group also ensures that there is global recognition regarding the failure of the Nigerian government and the instability in the region.