Boko Haram’s disturbing activities highlight the ongoing crisis in Nigeria, especially concerning the safety of schoolchildren and communities. On November 21, 303 students and 12 teachers were kidnapped from St. Mary’s School, a grim reminder of the group’s persistent reign of terror. While no organization has claimed responsibility for this specific abduction, Boko Haram’s history of violence and mass kidnappings marks it as a prime suspect, alongside Islamic State affiliates.
The following day, Boko Haram launched an attack in Borno State, killing eight people, including seven members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. These men were gathering firewood when they fell victim to an ambush… a clear indication of the group’s brazen assault on local communities and security forces. Along with the fatalities, three local hunters were abducted, underscoring the group’s longstanding strategy of targeting both lives and livelihoods.
Boko Haram originated in 2002, aiming to impose a radical version of Islam on Nigeria. Founded by Mohammed Yusuf, the group gained notoriety for its violent campaigns, especially after Yusuf’s death in 2009. The group has undergone significant leadership changes, with Abubakar Shekau guiding it from 2009 until his demise in 2021. Under Shekau, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015, leading to further splintering and the emergence of the brutal offshoot known as the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The name “Boko Haram” translates to “Western education is forbidden” in Hausa… a reflection of the group’s ideology that vehemently opposes modern education and values. This ideology drives their relentless assault on schools, which are often viewed as instruments of Western influence. The massacre at the Federal Government College of Buni Yadi in 2014, which left fifty-nine students dead, is one of the darkest chapters in the group’s violent history.
Boko Haram has escalated its assaults, particularly in 2025, intensifying attacks against civilians and security personnel alike. This is evident in the staggering numbers… over 127 suicide bombings were recorded in a single year, many executed by women disguising explosives beneath their hijabs. They have also forced mass displacements, with millions fleeing their homes… contributing to what the United Nations describes as a humanitarian crisis.
In addition to suicide bombings and abductions, Boko Haram has a grim reputation for using extreme violence to instill fear. Their methods include torture, forced marriages, and the recruitment of child soldiers… resulting in more than 38,000 deaths since the group’s insurgency began in Borno State. The focus on children is particularly troubling, with reports indicating that at least 1,600 youths have been abducted since 2014 alone.
Despite the Nigerian military’s efforts to curtail their activities, Boko Haram continues to operate with alarming efficacy. Their designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Department of State in 2013 did little to halt their violent campaigns. As attacks persist, especially against Christian communities, it becomes evident that this group poses a significant threat—not just to Nigeria but to wider security interests. These acts of violence serve as a reminder of the grave challenges facing the region and the brutal reality confronted by many innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict.
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