| On 12, Dec 2015

The world has seen some turmoil before and after the attacks of Islamic terrorist group ISIS. With ISIS being the main target of the world, we tend to forget the up and rising terrorist groups forming.

Boko Haram, also called Basam Haram, which means “western education is forbidden” has had it’s fair attacks on many countries in Africa. By pledging its allegiance to ISIS, the attacks on sub-Saharan Africa have become relentless.

Founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf, who was later killed by Nigerian officials in 2009, has set its plan on instilling an Islamic state in the Northern countries and states of Africa also since 2009.

Through the use of children and men and illegal weapons, Boko Haram has instilled fear in the hearts of many not only in Nigeria but in the whole continent of Africa.

Cameroon, Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, the Mandara Mountains, and Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, are all victims of the vicious attacks unleashed by Boko Haram.

The mission of Boko haram is to overthrow the Nigerian government and establish Islamic teachings in the Northeastern area. “Haram” meaning forbidden, plays a big part in their mission as it is forbidden to participate in any activity that goes against their Islamic teachings, “This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers or receiving a secular education”.

Despite being heinous, the first attacks of Boko Haram were simple compared to attacks being unleashed in the present time. Through the bombing of churches, attacks on police stations, killing innocent civilians, and the attack on the United Nations Headquarters in Abuja led to Boko Haram being listed as a terroristic group in 2013 under new leader Abubakar Shekau.

It’s biggest attack, in 2014, caused havoc around the world as Boko Haram kidnapped over 200 schoolgirls from Chibko in Burno State. By enslaving the 200 girls, the world immediately reacted by donating to groups in Africa, bringing social awareness through the hashtag “#bringbackourgirls”, it immediately caught the attention of the world as everyone tried to return the girls back to their families.

Despite the release of a handful of the kidnapped girls and Boko Haram’s size decreasing, it still poses a heavy threat against the well being of not only the Nigerian community but its surrounding neighbors. Killing almost 16,000 people and seizing the homes of millions, Boko Haram should not be treated lightly.

Knowing the history of this terrorist organization, it is only a wonder what it will happen after it joins forces with other terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, IS, and many more. Boko Haram must be eliminated immediately to ensure a ounce of peace in the minds of those living in Nigeria.