Boko Haram and their Conflicts
By: Manthan Madan
Boko Haram, was established in 2002 in northeast Nigeria. Its founder was Mohommad Yusuf. However, when he died in 2009, the group had then started significant violence in the Nigerian area, and thus was able to cause the deaths of thousands and the displacement of over 2.5 million people. Not only is the conflict ongoing, but has also gotten much more terrifying for those families which were victimized from it.
One significant split was in 2016, which occurred over doctrinal differences and different leadership styles. Because of this, the Islamic State West Africa Province was created, more formally known as ISWAP. ISWAP was more aligned with the Islamic state, and was a gigantic faction after an attack in the Sambisa forest in 2021. This attack led to the death of Abubakar Shekau, who was a key leader of Boko Haram. ISWAP is also known for its guerilla warfare tactics that is uses against the Nigerian army, and this is involved in services such as water and healthcare and security in some communities. A report in 2019 about ISWAP recommended that their tactics now caused fewer civilian casualties but many more military deaths.
The other faction of the time was the JAS faction. This faction adopted a similar taxing method as ISWAP. However, tensions between these two factions have led to some pretty violent confrontations. In 2022, JAS launched attacks against ISWAP, including an assault on ISWAP's base that resulted in significant casualties. In retaliation, ISWAP executed attacks in early 2023 that killed around 200 JAS fighters, women, and children.
After the death of Yusuf in 2009, the conflict had begun to expand beyond its original area. A ripple effect had occurred in the state of Niger, and so new factions were created along with alliances with local bandits. These groups have been involved in ransom kidnappings and cattle rustling to raise funds. Several JAS fighters have returned to Niger State, engaging in numerous attacks and compounding the security challenges in the region. This has led to a complex network of collaborations among various jihadist groups in Nigeria.
These groups have engaged in some significant and strategic partnerships, and would exchange knowledge and skills (especially in areas like Kaduna). An example of such collaboration was the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022, where over 62 passengers were abducted. However, ISWAP has reportedly had less success in collaborating with bandits in the northeast due to doctrinal differences.
Internal rifts within ISWAP in the Lake Chad area have led to defections and expulsions, indicating challenges within the ISIS-aligned faction. These developments suggest a weakening of ISWAP following its initial successes.
Additionally, the Ansaru sect, backed by al-Qaeda, has formed partnerships with bandits in northwest Nigeria. In August 2023, a Nigerian military aircraft was shot down in Niger state, with Ansaru's benefactor claiming responsibility. This incident has raised concerns about the growing influence of al-Qaeda in Nigeria.
In a recent attack on November 6, 2023, suspected Boko Haram insurgents killed at least 15 rice farmers in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state. The attack, which took place in the villages of Koshebe, Karkut, and Bulabulin, involved the assailants using motorcycles to reach the farmers who were harvesting rice. The attackers used cutlasses, knives, and beheadings to carry out the killings.
These developments highlight the ongoing and complex nature of the conflict involving Boko Haram and its associated factions, with significant implications for security and stability in Nigeria and the wider region.
Sources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/9/8/rivalry-among-boko-haram-factions-compounds-violence-in-northern-nigeria
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/suspected-boko-haram-kills-15-farmers-northeast-nigeria-2023-11-06/