Boko Haram examines the early history of the sect and its transformation into a radical armed group. It analyses the causes of the uprising against the Nigerian state and evaluates the consequences of the on-going conflict from a religious, social and political point of view. The book gives priority to authors conducting fieldwork in Nigeria and tackles the following issues: the extent to which Boko Haram can be considered the product of deprivation and marginalisation; the relationship of the sect with almajirai, Islamic schools, Sufi brotherhoods, Izala, and Christian churches; the role of security forces and political parties in the radicalisation of the sect; and more contemporary issues.

Foreword by Gérard Chouin

Introduction by Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos

Part I: What is Boko Haram? Some Evidence and a Lot of Confusion

The Message and Methods of Boko Haram by Kyari Mohammed

Boko Haram and its Muslim critics: Observations from Yobe State by Johannes Harnischfeger

Traditional Quranic Students (almajirai) in Nigeria: Fair Game for Unfair Accusations? by Hannah Hoechner

Christian Perceptions of Islam and Society in Relation to Boko Haram and Recent Events in Jos and Northern Nigeria by Henry Mang

Framing and Blaming: Discourse Analysis of the Boko Haram Uprising, July 2009 by Portia Roelofs

Part II: Boko Haram and the Nigerian state: a strategic analysis

Boko Haram and Politics: from Insurgency to Terrorism by Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos

Boko Haram and the Evolving Salafi Jihadist Threat in Nigeria by Freedom Onuoha

By the Numbers: the Nigerian State’s Efforts to Counter Boko Haram by Rafael Serrano and Zacharias Pieri

Body Count and Religion in the Boko Haram Crisis: Evidence from the Nigeria Watch Database by Gérard Chouin, Manuel Reinert,
and Elodie Apard

A Chronology by Manuel Reinert and Lou Garçon

ANNEXES

1: The charter of Jama’at Ansar Al Muslimin Fi Bilad al-Sudan, broadcast on Internet on 18 January 2012 translated by Mathieu Guidère 285

2: One of the First Videos of Ansaru, Available on 1 June 2012 translated by Nathaniel Danjibo 296

3: Islam and Western Education in Nigeria: Between Accommodation and Confrontation by Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos 303

4: Islam and Political Parties in the Sudan by Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos 306

Contributors Bios

Index

For scholars, government officials, journalists, and civic actors, this book expands our understanding of this enigmatic jihadist movement, its genesis, evolution, and political implications. In light of the global significance of militant Islam, the book is indispensable for students of Nigeria, Africa, Muslim societies, and armed conflicts.—Richard Joseph, John Evans Professor of International History and Politics, Northwestern University

This collection of essays on Boko Haram is much the best yet—well-informed, coolly competent. With the insurgency still evolving, we really need this guide to its early days.—Murray Last, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, University College of London

This valuable collection assembles notable experts who analyze the messages and behavior of Boko Haram. The collection also provides nuanced treatments of actors involved in the conflict, including the Nigerian state and Nigerian Christians.—Alex Thurston, Visiting Assistant Professor, African Studies Program, Georgetown University