Title: FSI | CISAC | MAPPINGMILITANTS CISAC - MMP: Boko Haram
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Boko Haram
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Content: 6]
Before 2009, the group was less politically focused, seeking to separate themselves from secular society. With the Yusuf’s death and increased conflict between Boko Haram and the Nigerian government, Boko Haram came to seek the overthrow of the Nigerian government and the establishment of an Islamic caliphate. Open conflict erupted in July 2009 following a violent clash between Boko Haram members and the police, when militants refused to adhere to a law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets. This incident incited violent uprisings in Bauchi and quickly spread to Borno, Yobe, and Kano. [ 7] Nigerian military forces killed over 700 in suppressing the uprisings and capturing Yusuf. Security forces later killed Yusuf, claiming that he had tried to escape. [ 8]
After suffering severe losses in 2009, Boko Haram regrouped in 2010 under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau, Yusuf’s second-in-command. [ 9] The frequency, lethality, and sophistication of Boko Haram’s attacks increased dramatically under Shekau, allegedly as a result of increased cooperation with Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). To protest the election of Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from southern Nigeria, Boko Haram carried out a series of bombings during Jonathan’s presidential inauguration in May 2011. [ 10] The escalation of violence continued throughout the year, including an attack on the Abuja UN building in August, Boko Haram’s first foreign target. [