What does Boko Haram mean?
Q: What does Boko Haram mean?
A: Boko Haram is a term derived from the Hausa language meaning "Western education is forbidden". It refers to an extremist branch of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) that opposes Western education, culture, science, and voting in elections.
Q: Where is Boko Haram based?
A: Boko Haram is centred in Borno State in northeastern Nigeria.
Q: What does Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad mean?
A: Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad translates to "People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad" which is the official name of the group.
Q: When did Boko Haram begin its insurgency?
A: The insurgency began in 2009.
Q: What kind of activities has Boko Haram been responsible for?
A: Boko Haram has carried out bombings, kidnappings, shootings, arson and looting as well as other terrorist activities such as storming prisons and attacking military targets. They have killed thousands of people in Africa.
Q: Is there any connection between Boko Haram and Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)?
A: No, there is no connection between these two groups since MEND fights against oil industry exploitation while Boko Haram focuses on opposing western education and culture.
Q: When did it become part of Islamic State?
A: In March 2015, it became part of Islamic State.
