Boko Haram's New Recruitment Base in Niger 

[23/03/2023] 

In recent times, the terror organisation Boko Haram has been pushed out of its home country of Nigeria. Not just from strong Government intervention, but also from the Islamic States in the West African Province (ISWAP) group. Due to these pushbacks, Boko Hrama has found itself a new recruiting base in the neighbouring country of Niger. In this article, we will look at the battle between Boko Haram and ISWAP Organisation. In addition, we will look at the group's new base of operations in the Republic of Niger. 

A Photo of a Boko Haram Attack in 2020 [Source: Al Jazeera]

The Decline of Boko Haram

Boko Haram and ISWAP were once one united group, mainly operating in Northeastern Nigeria. It was not until 2016 that the group split. Some remained with Boko Haram, whilst others joined the new Islamic State Province; the Islamic State in the West African Province. Gradually, ISWAP became more and more of a threat to Boko Haram and the citizens of Nigeria. ISWAP has expanded and infiltrated kidnapping gangs to the North West of the country. Last year, they claimed more attacks than ever before, especially around the Lake Chad area. (Jones, 2023) Not only did Boko Haram suffer major losses in their battle with the Islamic State, but also with the Nigerian military. 

The Nigerian Military with a captured Toyota Gun Truck [Source:Vanguardngr]

In the opening weeks of 2023, there have been intense clashes between Boko Haram and the Islamic State in the Sambisa Forest of Nigeria. Not only were these two terror groups fighting here, but also the Nigerian Military. On March 26th, Nigerian forces raided six Boko Haram camps, killing an unspecified number of its members. Crucial camps in the Lake Chad area were raided and destroyed, loosening the group's control of the area. In addition to the raids and killing of terrorist operatives, the military also recovered a converted Toyota gun truck. These raids were part of Operation Hadin Kai, a large offensive against terrorist groups in the north of the country. (Marima, 2023) In addition to this military victory, over the past few years, Boko Haram has suffered major losses, not in battle but through surrender. According to Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, reported by Ozioruva Aliu (2023), "between July 2021 to May 2022 alone, no fewer than 51,828 Boko haram and their family members have surrendered, out of which 13,360 are fighters". These surrenders were incentivised by Operation Safe Corridor, which offered Boko Haram members training and other opportunities to reintegrate with society. This would have a major blow on the organisation, not only was morale at an all-time low, but it demonstrated to the Nigeration population that Government counter-terror operations were extremely effective. With significant losses on the battlefield, membership decreasing and the rising power of rival terror groups, it was clear that Boko Haram's time in Nigeria was numbered. So, it was not a surprise to the media that the group have started to build a new recruitment centre in the neighbouring country of Niger. 

Recruitment Foundations in Niger

Following the failures of Boko Haram in Nigeria, it was clear that the group needed to build a new recruitment base. So, it was hardly surprising when reports came out that Boko Haram had started building training centres in the town of Dinallahi, in Southeastern Niger. In this small village, the group have started to build hangars to act as extremist education centres for local children. Gradually, as Boko Haram entered this area, the rates of kidnapping and violence has risen significantly. 

In addition to the new potential recruits, this area is also important for other terror groups. This stretch of Niger acts as an important gateway for other groups to get to northern and Eastern African countries. If Boko Haram can asset control of this area, they can reestablish some control over their former territory. Also, having this control over such an important area can help the group regain their prestige. No longer, are they a group suffering major losses on all fronts, now they are dominant over a crucial area. (Maina, 2023) Fortunately for the people of Niger, the Nigeran military is actively fighting back against the group at the Nigerian border. The military had launched multiple counter-terror operations in the Southeastern province of Diffa, against ISWAP. In March of 2023, the Nigeran military killed 20 Boko Haram fighters on the Nigerian-Niger border. On top of that, the military captured 83 others, these were mostly family members of Boko Haram members fleeing the Islamic State. (North Africa Post, 2023)

The Future of Boko Haram

Boko Haram are at a crossroads in its history. Many terrorist groups at this stage, either find a new country, where they can rebuild, or dissolve. This push into Niger is the group's new foundation to rebuild. The Nigerian and Nigerien Governments, need to continue their successful operations against Boko Haram. Despite successful operations, many still feel that the Nigerian Government could do more to protect them. These security issues around Boko Haram and Islamic State are important issues to candidates in the ongoing Nigerian Presidential election. Continued efforts from Nigerian counter-terrorist forces are vital in stopping the group. For the Nigerien tactical forces, guarding the border and raiding established Boko Haram outposts in the country is incredibly important. Stopping Boko Haram's control over this area could also stop the spread of terrorism throughout the continent. If such a significant territory was to be controlled by counter-terrorism forces, then the spread of terrorist groups and fighters north and westward could be stopped. 

Also important is the rapid growth of ISWAP. Stopping Boko Haram is one important piece of the puzzle, but so is stopping ISWAP. It would be very easy for Islamic State to replace Boko Haram in their control over the north of Nigeria. Counter-terrorist forces need to threaten both groups, to remove the area from any threat of terror at all. Looking at the ongoing counter-terror operations, it's clear that both Governments are dedicated to stopping the actions and growth of both groups. 

We will continue to keep posting updates on Boko Haram's presence in Niger, as well as updates on ISWAP in Nigeria. 

References

Aliu, O. (2023). https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/03/irabor-at-edo-varsity-founders-day-51828-boko-haram-fighters-surrender-in-18-months-cds/. [online] Vanguard Nigeria. Available at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/03/irabor-at-edo-varsity-founders-day-51828-boko-haram-fighters-surrender-in-18-months-cds/ [Accessed 27 Mar. 2023].

Jones, M. (2023). Nigeria election 2023: Has Buhari tackled Boko Haram threat? BBC News. [online] 18 Feb. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-64667959 [Accessed 27 Mar. 2023].

Maina, M. (2023). Boko Haram establishes recruitment base in Niger Republic. [online] Daily Post Nigeria. Available at: https://dailypost.ng/2023/03/22/boko-haram-establishes-recruitment-base-in-niger-republic/ [Accessed 27 Mar. 2023].

Marama, N. (2023). Troops raid 6 Boko Haram camps in Sambisa forest, kill many terrorists. [online] Vanguard Nigeria. Available at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/03/troops-raid-6-boko-haram-camps-in-sambisa-forest-kill-many-terrorists/ [Accessed 27 Mar. 2023].

The North Africa Post. (2023). Niger’s army eliminates 20 Boko Haram militants near border with Nigeria – The North Africa Post. [online] Available at: https://northafricapost.com/66320-nigers-army-eliminates-20-boko-haram-militants-near-border-with-nigeria.html [Accessed 27 Mar. 2023].

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