Nigeria’s Islamic State terrorist group, Boko Haram, targeting refugees and the displaced as ‘soft targets’
In the latest chapter of heinous, evil attacks on human life, the Nigerian terrorist group, Boko Haram, is reportedly targeting refugees and internally displaced people as “soft targets.”
Boko Haram logo photo/Arnold Platon via wikimedia commons
All Africa highlighted the tactics, noting that this Islamic group is “a highly adaptable foe, routinely changing tactics to suit shifting circumstances. The terror group increasingly focuses on soft targets, including refugees and internally displaced people.”
Terrorizing the African nation since 2009, killing thousands and kidnapping hundreds of young girls and boys, Boko Haram now ranks third on the 2017 Global Terrorism Index.
All Africa notes that “Although exact numbers are unknown, conservative estimates indicate that since 2009 its reign of terror has killed more than 20 000 people and displaced more than two million across Nigeria, while also spreading into Cameroon, Niger and Chad.”
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari declared the group “technically defeated” in December 2015 after it suffered a series of territorial losses, but in August, 2016 it split into two factions, one of them aligned with Islamic State and targeting security forces with the other Abubakar Shekau faction continuing indiscriminate attacks displaced people.
An Institute for Security Studies database shows a significant rise in Boko Haram attacks on internally displaced people or refugees. In 2015 there were four attacks, expanding to 10 in 2016 and 18 in 2017.
Female suicide bombers perpetrated a significant majority of these attacks, probably because they attract less suspicion and can more easily access camps than male militants. Attacks have included explosive devices left in refugee camps, and suicide bombings of markets, schools and transportation hubs.
More on Boko Haram…
June 2015: Boko Haram’s geography expands into Niger
Thousands flee as Boko Haram attacks a Christian village
Boko Haram uses IEDs in markets, hiding as vendors, says military
Boko Haram responsible in Borno attacks: over two dozen killed
Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram leader, shown in a YouTube video
