Global sentinel news boko haram 10 years of radicalization

Here's a summary of the 10-year history of Boko Haram's radicalization, based on news articles and reports from Global Sentinel:

2002-2009: Early Years

Boko Haram, also known as Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (JAS), was founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf, a charismatic cleric who preached against Western influence and corruption in Nigeria. The group initially focused on spreading its ideology through preaching and community outreach.

2009: Escalation

In 2009, Boko Haram's violence escalated, with attacks on police stations, churches, and government buildings. The group's leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was killed in police custody, sparking widespread outrage and recruitment for the group.

2010-2011: Insurgency

Boko Haram's insurgency gained momentum, with attacks on major cities like Abuja and Maiduguri. The group's tactics became increasingly brutal, including suicide bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings.

2012-2013: Internationalization

Boko Haram's attacks began to target international interests, including the United Nations and foreign embassies. The group also started to collaborate with other extremist groups, such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

2014: Abubakar Shekau Takes Over

After Mohammed Yusuf's death, Abubakar Shekau took over as the leader of Boko Haram. Shekau's leadership marked a significant shift in the group's tactics, with a focus on more brutal and indiscriminate attacks.

2014-2015: Kidnappings and Massacres

Boko Haram's kidnappings of schoolgirls, including the infamous Chibok abductions, drew international attention. The group also carried out mass killings, including the massacre of over 2,000 people in Baga, Nigeria.

2015-2016: Split and Fragmentation

Boko Haram split into two factions, with Abubakar Shekau leading one faction and Abu Musab al-Barnawi leading another. The split led to infighting and a decline in the group's overall capabilities.

2017-2018: IS Affiliation

Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS), which led to increased funding and support from IS. The group's attacks became more sophisticated, including the use of suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices.

2019-2020: Military Campaigns

The Nigerian military launched a series of campaigns against Boko Haram, including Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation Tura Takaibango. While the military made some gains, the group continued to carry out attacks and maintain control over large swaths of territory.

2020-Present: Ongoing Insurgency

Boko Haram remains a significant threat in Nigeria and the surrounding region. The group continues to carry out attacks, including suicide bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings. The Nigerian government and international community have launched various initiatives to combat the group, including military campaigns and humanitarian efforts.

Overall, Boko Haram's 10-year history of radicalization has been marked by increasing violence, brutality, and internationalization. The group's ideology has been shaped by a mix of religious extremism, political grievances, and social marginalization.