Boko Haram

Many around the world are just now hearing of Boko Haram. For communities in Northern Nigeria, they know the death and destruction that this group brings, and they have known it for a number of years. As Boko Haram has spread, they have continued to burn schools. As of today, over 500 schools have been destroyed. Over 100 teachers have been killed. We are faced with two challenges in Northern Nigeria; in the near term, seeing these girls rescued, and in the long term, rendering Boko Haram unable to threaten the region. This is a group that has killed thousands of Nigerians. The loose translation of "Boko Haram" is "Western education is a sin." Boko Haram's mission is to carry out a war against those who educate or empower women. Over time, Boko Haram has developed a vast arsenal of weapons. They are an al-Qaeda affiliate. They have sworn their allegiance to al-Qaeda, and received training and other support from al-Qaeda groups, enabling them to build up their resources. This means greater terror for the people in Northern Nigeria and greater challenges for Nigerian security forces.