Bokostan
@BokoWatch
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Analyzing Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru & Nigerian/Sahelian security. Author "Unmasking Boko Haram: Exploring Global Jihad in Nigeria" (Lynne Rienner, April 2020).
Joined February 2013
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Thank you,
@FreelancerYerwa
. Your takes are greatly appreciated and I'm eager to read them; please share! And thank you for the commendation on the book. Means alot coming from you.
@BokoWatch
This is a well detail and cristal info on exploring Global Jihad in Nigeria, this is worth international recognition, was opportune to go through many chapters and will like to write out my takes.
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Proofs time... The first in-depth study of Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and also Boko Haram's genesis can be pre-ordered today.
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Tragic the first use of child soldiers in-action by ISWAP in Nigeria combined w Gitmo and anti-Christian narratives. In 2014 Boko Haram sent IS kids' (cubs) training fotos; and in early 2015 Boko loaded kids' training fotos on its Twitter account w IS, and now this.
@MiaMBloom
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My latest article for Terrorism Monitor on ISWAP's factionalization, Boko Haram's challenge to ISWAP, and impacts of macro-factors like coronavirus on CT in W. Africa: "Islamic State in West Africa Province’s Factional Disputes & the Battle W Boko Haram."
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Just began reading
@CrisisGroup
's newest report on Boko Haram by
@VincentFoucher
. It's definitely going to be a must-read for anyone observing ISWAP/Boko Haram or Islamic State generally.
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Pleasure to share my book Unmasking Boko Haram: Exploring Global Jihad in Nigeria is off to press. You can read its Intro open-access at the publisher's site by clicking the "Book's Introduction" link; it discusses analytical methods & summarizes chapters.
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BIG (DISCONCERTING) NEWS: For the first time, JNIM acknowledges collaboration with Ansaru in Nigeria. The 'arc of insurgency' in the Sahel coming into fruition. JNIM May 28 claim of SE Burkina Faso attack notes it "will increase communication between JNIM and Ansaru in Nigeria."
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New ISWAP video--presumably including former Boko Haram/Shekau faction fighters--making pledges to ISIS. This is the 1st ISWAP formal video in over a year. Along w ISIS' spokesman's comments on ex-Shekau fighters' integration to ISWAP, the vid shows ISIS thinks this is important.
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Plausible scenario of how Boko Haram's mass kidnapping in Kankara went down. BH intermediaries to Katsina bandits 'contracted' them for the operation. One bandit w Libyan links, too. Expect a BH video with the kids as 'recruits' or captives, unfortunately.
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Special thanks also for those who engaged in deep dialogue, reviewed drafts, & had my back during the Unmasking Boko Haram book-writing process!
@lizzypearson
@DaveedGR
@MiaMBloom
@TimWilsonCSTPV
@mcainnewyork
@JohnCampbellcfr
@JamestownTweets
@hoffman_bruce
@RiennerPub
@CSTPV
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Boko Haram Shekau faction's latest video observations: child soldiers appear again; obvious IS choreography; ISWAP-like uniforms; training segment is like the 2013 videos; vid quality still low. Strategically, Shekau is trying to (re)create a pan-Nigerian affiliate-based movement
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Surprising admission by Chadian president Deby that "We will have this Boko Haram phenomenon for a long time yet....The incursions will continue." . Much different than the usual bluster. ISWAP attack claims also indicate resurgence in Chad.
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Check out my article ("BUSTING MYTHS ON GLOBAL JIHADISM IN NIGERIA") written for
@brendagithingu
's new blog, "The African Jihad." A pleasure to contribute this guest post and share new 'controversial' findings from my book!
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My latest article for Small Wars & Insurgencies analyzes all Boko Haram/ISWAP videos from 2010-2020 in "Chronicling the Boko Haram Decade in Nigeria (2010-2020): distinguishing factions through videographic analysis." Free 50 copies at this link or DM me:
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The audio on the demise of ISWAP leader Abu Musab al-Barnawi has been translated into English by Sufyan Musah (Intl Univ of Sarajevo). Of interest for anyone following these events:
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Notable report on Boko Haram funding from businesspersons in the UAE. Consistent with
@VincentFoucher
and other Cameroonian intel findings from 2014. Also mentioned in my book.
'Also fingered in some of the transitions is one Alhaji Ashiru, who is said to be “a Nigerian government official” and yet a senior undercover Boko Haram member who facilitated the transfer of misappropriated public funds to the group.'
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1. Boko Haram / JAS / Shekau faction released a video this week of a young, calm, well-spoken, *non-Shekau-like* fighter who nonetheless claimed the massacre/beheadings of dozens outside Maiduguri. I hear the speaker is 'in the family.' If/when Shekau passes, JAS will persist.
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As others like
@CalibreObscura
also have noted, ISWAP's goal is the Borno supercamps; whether this year or months/years down the road most operations, however small they may seem, around those areas are toward this objective.
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"Boko Haram's Conquest for the Caliphate: How Al Qaeda Helped Islamic State Acquire Territory". Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Vol 43, Issue 2. Should be open access 4 a bit apparently or DM me & I can provide. . Can also provide:
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If you're studying/researching ISIS in Africa, and haven't read through the data and graphs below, you're missing something important. Can't deny importance of ISWAP and Nigeria, and Africa generally, to what ISIS is, and is increasingly becoming. Great work. 👇
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My 1st article for
@myHNN
outlines the origins of Nigerian jihadism / "Boko Haram" & discusses how Algerian jihadists arrived in Nigeria in 1994 and began recruiting. Synergies exist w ISWAP's pan-W. African scope today. More elaborate details in the book:
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Coming soon... One of my most originally researched articles on BH: "Boko Haram’s Beginnings: Guantánamo Detainee Assessment Revelations on Diaspora Nigerian Jihadists in Saudi Arabia". Stay on the lookout and I can email anyone the article if behind paywall (DM if interested).
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Never said this b4 but
@ankaboy
deserves a journalism award, or at least serious Twitter-props. His reporting explores depths of banditry, castle-rustling, humanitarian emergency, & jihadism in NW Nigeria. Its not the buzz-theme today, but it'll be I fear:
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I'll share more info later on my book, "Unmasking Boko Haram: Exploring Boko Haram in Nigeria" (), and anyone interested in
@RiennerPub
's Africa books can check with Drs
@TerrenceLyons
,
@jpkimonyo
, & others authoring incisive works.
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ISWAP's speech in Sambisa Forest to civilians after Shekau's death is now translated by Sufyan Musah (Intl Univ of Sarajevo). Interesting declarations made by ISWAP (see bottom video):
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Boko Haram / ISWAP Rocket development since 2015 from workshop, to targeting Maiduguri & Diffa, Niger w stolen rockets, to today's photos of firing at Mallam Fatori. Definitely part of both Nigeria and the Sahel's insurgencies (plus night vision goggles). Hope defenses prepared.
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Honored sharing research w scholars like yourself! Amazing seeing the book in print. Thx2
@ajaltamimi
@AlessioIocchi
@OmarSMahmood
@ZachariasPieri
@ScholarAkassi1
@Bassim_AMG
@Mr0rangetracker
@Weissenberg7
@azelin
@HassanIdayat
@MENASTREAM
@bulamabukarti
@F_Reinares
@SeamusHughes
#Nigeria
:
@BokoWatch
this arrived today and looking forward to reading it. Thanks for including me in acknowledgments. Honored to be listed among such distinguished scholars.
#BokoHaram
#Sahel
#Mali
#Niger
#BurkinaFaso
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It appears from Abubakar Shekau's last audio before death he DID indeed pledge loyalty to Al-Qaeda; previously the alliance, including, funding, arms, training, and advice with AQIM (and Shabab), and letters to Bin Laden were known. ISIS pledge came later. Specifics to come...
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Boko Haram's Shekau is probly the longest-standing jihadi leader (from 2010) whereas al-Zawahiri took over 4 Bin Laden in 2011. How does Shekau do it? Check
@atta_kindo
's article on Shekau the 'corporatist leader' for
@CTCWP
that I had the honor to edit:
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If this Mozambique ISIS video is accurate, this looks like Boko Haram in 2014, and Mozambique, like Nigeria then, is unprepared for what's coming. By this trajectory, it'll spill to borderlands, esp since Swahili sanifu (classical) prob from E. Africa are seemingly in other vids.
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My latest article in Studies in Conf&Terror: "Debates and Controversies over the Legitimacy of 'Internet Sources' in Scholarship on Jihadism: The Online Dimension in the Persistence of the 'Al-Qaeda Narrative' in Boko Haram Studies":Copy at link or DM me.
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Islamic State's latest al-Naba newsletter included only stats for ISWAP regarding Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad. Given the quietness of ISGS and its clashes with JNIM, it's unclear what ISGS's status is now. On the road to being defunct? Surprising no Mali, Burkina mentions.
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Remember Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJWA)? My latest article, "Rebel Rivals," for The Journal of North African Studies traces the Islamic State in Greater Sahra-JNIM rift's lineage to MUJWA. 50 free e-prints at this link or DM for one:
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Boko Haram /JAS(Shekau faction) offers Ramadan's seasons greetings to supporters in a strictly religious/Islamic history-themed message and without typical bombastic antics of Shekau himself.
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Northwestern Nigeria is a flashpoint for jihadist groups (and bandits). My latest analysis discusses Boko Haram, ISWAP, & Ansaru competition there. "Boko Haram’s Expansionary Project in Northwestern Nigeria Nigeria: Can Shekau Outflank Ansaru and ISWAP?"
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Unless I'm missing something ISWAP claiming an attack in *Gombe State* signals expansion from Borno/Yobe. Last series of attacks in Gombe were in 2014-2015 just before the pledge to IS. Ansaru's leader & Boko Haram's murderous
#2
had also been from there. Trend worth watching...
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From Deby's speech and instructions, it does appear, as one might expect, Chad's counter-Boko Haram/ISWAP offensive's goal was removing the jihadists from Chadian territory; whether they go to Niger or Nigeria from there is not really Chad's business anymore.
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Well, this is the first videographic evidence, if verified, that I've seen substantiating the jihadism-gold mining nexus in the Sahel. Various media reports and increasinglygovt officials and academic-level work has honed in on this issue.
#Burkina
#Region_du_Nord
:
"Vous, orpailleurs lorsque vous trouvez un bon filon d'or, n'appelez vous pas vos amis pour venir en profiter?
Là c'est pareil, nous avons trouvé le
#djihad
, la bonne voie et nous vous invitons à nous rejoindre".
Transcrit du message passé en
#moor
é.
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Not sure how one would caption this but it's from a Boko Haram video with an IS nasheed playing in the background. Apple, Shekau, Trump... too much globalization goin' on.
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"ISIS in Africa: The Caliphate's Next Frontier." Pleased to contribute this Terrain Assessment report for
@CGPdc
's excellent series, ISIS 2020. New analysis, insights, and graphics to explain the ISIS--and rival al-Qaeda--presence in Africa. Link here:
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ISWAP audio finally confirms ISWAP killed Shekau after ISIS ordered the group to do so-- demonstrates the strategic relationship, and here operational, between ISIS and ISWAP.
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With US intel officials warning of al-Qaeda in NW Nigeria, growing attacks in south Kaduna, which was Ansaru's original target area, Ansaru's claim of attacking Nigerian army this week, Shekau videos in nearby Niger State, & jihadis coming down from Mali, d situation is serious.
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1. It's been a trying year for Nigerian security, esp the Boko Haram crisis; below are some of the key articles and analyses from 2018 for reflecting on what transpired this past year (but by no means comprehensively including all important research on the subject):
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One contributor to Boko Haram's persistence is recruiting child soldiers. With 100s born into the group, ISWAP & BH have an automatic next generation of fighters even if non-members are alienated (). This is key 4 CVE and videos increasingly attest to this.
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Important to note if Shekau is dead, as increasing ISWAP, insider journalist, and army sources indicate, it corresponds w ISIS's renaming Shekau nemesis Abu Musab al-Barnawi as ISWAP 'caretaker' leader, likely to specifically rid Nigerian jihadism of Shekauism once and for all.
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Observation of ISWAP photostreams suggests more than ever before in "Boko Haram history", ISWAP is a non-state military. If estimates r right that it has *40* 100-fighter brigades like in photos/vids, beyond ideology&structural factors, major combat is gna be needed 2 defeat em
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A detailed, and long-needed, article from
@bulamabukarti
via field research in Kanama. One takeaway, if origins of BH is to continue to be studied, is distinguishing terminology such as "Kanama camp", "Boko Haram"/"Taliban", "Nigerian jihadi community."
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My *new article* "Boko Haram’s Beginnings: Guantánamo Detainee Assessment Revelations on Diaspora Nigerian Jihadists in Saudi Arabia" is published in The Journal of the Middle East and Africa (50 free copies here, or DM me ure email and I'll send it to u):
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Just received the appended email from a reader of Unmasking Boko Haram. Despite years of scholarship on Boko Haram and various mentions of its 'historical roots', issues the critic raises are yet to be sufficiently addressed. More work to be done and future scholars can do this.
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Wow (not good)... potentially huge shift in targeting. If ISWAP now considers villagers "allied" w army as targets & justifies massacring them, it could mean victimizing large #'s of civilians, unlike ISWAP b4 (but akin to Shekau). Will moderate factions emerge? Will this b 1off?
The Islamic State claims to have killed 90 fighters of “a militia” affiliated with the Nigerian army near Borno
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The "possible expansion" here needs to be taken seriously. Not only is Boko Haram (and ISWAP&Ansaru) trying to set foot in northwestern Nigeria but JNIM and ISGS have rear base networks there. It's not far and security situations can change *fast*. Now is final chance to prevent.
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1. Another * must-read * on Boko Haram and AQIM history by Brigaglia and Iocci in Annual Review of Islam in Africa ("Some Advice and Guidelines:" The History of Global Jihad in Nigeria, as Narrated by AQIM (al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb).
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Ansaru's Nov 2021 Eid al-Fitr video (dated strangely to May 2022) is now translated by Sufyan Musah. Notable is Ansaru's mention of AQ in West Africa and continued explicit condemnation of Boko Haram, among fighting scenes and 'civilian-centric' rhetoric.
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Re-upping my condemnation of Marc-Antoine Perouse de Montclos' false claims when reviewing my book, Unmasking Boko Haram: Exploring Global Jihad in Nigeria. First pro-tip -- read the book before reviewing it!
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Boko Haram leader Shekau is no longer dejected about being replaced by Islamic State as ISWAP leader in Aug 2016, but notably group media indicates it's not al-Baghdadi but al-Zarqawi who it most esteems among IS/predecessors leaders (excerpt from my book on this appended too).
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Another horrid Gitmo-style execution in Borno, Nigeria by ISWAP faction of "Boko Haram." Christians were specifically targeted in 2012 & since early 2019 have been again by new ISWAP leaders. ISWAP showed a child soldier weeks ago but now shows elders/white beards. RIP 4 victims
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Al-Qaeda and ISIS clash everywhere but not much Nigeria now because ISWAP and Boko Haram/JAS are too strong & Ansaru relocated to NW Nigeria. But trends indicate it should happen. See translation & analysis from
@ajaltamimi
of dynamics in Egyptian context.
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*Flashback* to late 2009 when BH first traveled to Mali to train w AQIM (desert pics). By 2013 (forested pics) BH organized its own Sambisa camps, no longer needing travel abroad (plus Shekau fell out w AQIM). These were steps to becoming the "pro" non-state army it is today 1/2
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Battle of narratives. Chad vigorously claiming victory against ISWAP/JAS, while ISWAP claims massive killings of Chadian/MNJTF forces. Although it was JAS (Shekau Boko Haram faction) that started this phase by killing 90+ Chadian soldiers. ISWAP has upped its media lately.
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Well, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau's take on the coronavirus can be added to the "how jihadis are responding to covid-19" pieces and, as usual, his will likely be among the most unusual stylistically.
Breaking News: Abubakar Shekau, releases audio message on
#COVID19
, mocks world leaders and derides social distancing. He claims there is a cure for coronavirus.
Details later.
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In "Negotiating With Jihadists in the Sahel and Nigeria" for
@lawfareblog
, I explore opportunities to dialogue with ISWAP, Boko Haram, Ansaru, JNIM, and ISGS. With fighting unending, can talks work, and what to jihadists' words and deeds tell us?
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Two Vanguard stories today: 1) Boko Haram cell broken up in Nassarawa, central Nigeria (). 2) Leader Shekau ready to surrender (). Both huge, if true. Key word *if*. (I'd say both quite unlikely).
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Tho I'm
@ScholarAkassi1
's elder, in many ways he's my mentor regarding my studying the Boko Haram phenomenon. I'm honored to receive his evaluation on the Nigeria-focused chapter of my book. In a future article, I'll present a vital new source found after the book was published.
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My latest article brief on Boko Haram (ISWAP) expansion into Ondo and Edo, southern Nigeria (Kano re-expansion not addressed here):
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Pleased to share my latest academic article on Boko Haram's Child Soldiers: Media Mujahids, Martyrs, and Militants -- the first based on primary source data (cowritten w/
@ZachariasPieri
, MJ Fox, and Lily Lousada). DM me for a pdf or find a pdf copy here:
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"Unkillable" Shekau, in new video after 10 yrs in the bush still preaching his same ideology w virtually no change since 2009. More important to him than faction disputes, IS, or anything. Just preaching (and killing behind-the-scenes). For 1st time he's beginning showing aging
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Reports of trafficking routes from N.Niger to Sokoto backed by photo evidence r becoming common and can factor into assessments of rising banditry in NW Nigeria (and jihadist bases / collab w bandits there). Whether N. Niger routes also extend to S. Libya can be examined further.
@HQNigerianArmy
has intercepted arms suppliers originating from Abalak, a Nigerien 🇳🇪 Village on the border of Libya🇱🇾. The arms where to be delivered to Bandits in Isa LGA of Sokoto, the arms where intercepted in Sabon birni by men of Nigerian Army🇳🇬.
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Must read thread on Abubakar Shekau's final audio speech by
@VincentFoucher
. Important to note it's not just scholars/analysts who assert AQ and ISIS are key to understand Boko Haram history. Leaders like Shekau and Abu Musab al-Barnawi center both groups when conveying history.
1. In the long version of the audio released in Hausa before his death on 18 May, Abubakar Shekau, the leader of
#JASDJ
#BokoHaram
, gives interesting bits about the events that were leading to his ultimate defeat. He also sheds light on more long term issues. A thread…
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Boko Haram (Shekau faction)'s new training video has an ISIS-y & Taliban-ish feel. Given its using ISIS nasheeds and Boko Haram's emulation of ISIS, it's likely intentional. Appended pics: practice capturing Nigerian soldier; sparring in "Camp Abubakar Shekau"; crawling, running.
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Ansaru members arrested in northwestern Nigeria, including one with Sudanese ID. Sudan was Ansaru liaison point, and was for ISWAP as well. Rarely are non-sub-regional foreigners arrested among jihadist in Nigeria.
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Must read translation of rare/overlooked Mokhtar Belmokhtar interview for GSPC (AQIM predecessor) al-Jamaa magazine from 2006 with
@Weissenberg7
's annotations providing context. . This is how 'jihad' was brought from Algeria to Sahel and, finally, Nigeria.
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My *new article* in
@ForeignPolicy
co=written w
@ColinPClarke
analyzes ISIS' impact on African insurgencies and focuses on current debates about Mozambique but also mentioning Boko Haram, ISGS, and Somalia. Check it out (DM me if you'd like a pdf version).
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Battles on the battlefield and of narratives. ISWAP claimed killing 30-plus Cameroonian soldiers yesterday, including in a suicide-vehicle bombing, and Cameroon sources reporting today 50 ISWAP fighters captured/killed. Cameroon now the hotspot, and news of the battle emerging.
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New Report with
@lizzypearson
on “Boko Haram, Islamic State, and Surge in Female Abductions in Southeastern Niger” for
@ICCT_TheHague
. A 'who dunnit' on 'enslavement' around Diffa & offers frameworks for gender and ISIS-province analyses and policy recs.
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One hopes news from Biu, Borno is incorrect, but if not it means another abduction (of women/girls) in ISWAP's area of operations (Biu/Damboa). Combined with civilian massacres in northern Borno, it suggests more "Boko Haram"-like operations from ISWAP.
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Back to the future? So BH which used bows and arrows in the 2009 uprising is back using them w up-armored SVBIEDs, drones, mortars, RPGS and more. Either way, ISWAP is increasingly seeming as strong militarily as Shabab IMO, which has been the premiere African militant group.
Oh yes, and we shouldn't forget about a guy with a bow and arrow... (h/t
@CalibreObscura
) What could be his name - Robin al-Shetwoodi, Ibn Braveheart al-Barnawi, or William Can't Tell If It's A Joke Or Not?
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Just now reading
@VincentFoucher
's "Last Words of Abubakar Shekau: A Testament in the Politics of Jihadi Extraversion." Definitely recommended for the Boko Haram/jihadi studies folks.
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ISWAP's leaders have usually spoken classical (fusha) Arabic or Hausa in videos, tho in some videos like this one () Kanuri was used in pep talks; but the latest horrific murder video of a Chadian soldier was by a Chadian Arabic-speaking ISWAP commander.
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Amid ISWAP leader disputes, "Ba Idrisa" reasserts authority in new video & shows face for 1st time. ISWAP shows brutality, IS loyalty, & fighter strength. Some clips seen b4 in ISWAP photostreams. . ISWAP vid comes after typical
#Bokoharam
Shekau vid yday.
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My latest article (co-written with MJ Fox) is "Negotiating with Boko Haram? Examining the Jihadist Exception" for African Conflict & Peacebuilding Review's BH Special Issue. See also
@AlessioIocchi
& Brigaglia's on BH and GWoT,
@lizzypearson
&
@chitranagarajan
on gender and more.
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Random scholarly reading recommendation: "Women's Roles in the Afghanistan Jihad" from *1993* (ahead of its time on this subject matter) in International Journal of Middle East Studies by Audrey C. Shalinsky. Lots of use of anthro methods and primary source recordings.
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"What does al-Baghdadi's death mean 4 Boko Haram?" Thoughts 4 those tracking IS After Caliphate *&* ABB's demise
@ColinPClarke
, IS 'external provinces', & Nigeria-based jihad. Perhaps underestimating IS/WAP but many 'jihadi alliance'
@tricbacon
pressures:
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'Fun fact' about Asim Abu Hayyan, an AQIM leader reportedly just killed, is that in 1994 he joined an Algerian group called Jamaat Ahl as-Sunna Li-Dawa wal-Jihad, which incidentally 15 years later became the same official name of "Boko Haram." (probably coincidence).
More potential bad luck for AQIM.
#Algeria
is claiming to have killed Asim Abu Hayyan in a security raid in the northern Jijel Province. He was a member of the Council of Notables and its shari'a committee. The group has not confirmed this report, however.
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My newest article on "Boko Haram" discusses ISWAP under Abu Musab al-Barnawi's leadership, Shekau's demise, Buhari's AFRICOM comments, and more:
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Something is going on with ISWAP. Resisted Nigerian army in Algarno ("Faruq") area. Now upping attacks, including today, in Chad, as well as around the lake in Niger and Cameroon, but also targeting Maiduguri: Here's my latest take:
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Breaking news from
@HumAngle
. If Boko Haram merges with northwestern Nigerian groups, who are as deadly/capable as other regional jihadis, there'd be 3 main W. Africa networks: IS, AQ, & "BH/JAS". Note Shekau acquired Lake Chad's Bakura last yr & tried b4 w NW Fulanis in 2014.
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Interested in what Boko Haram is like behind-the-scenes in "Jihadi Leisure" time?
@ZachariasPieri
and I wrote an article 4
@jmodafstudies
building on the book of
@Hegghammer
. "Under the Black Flag in Borno: experiences of foot soldiers and civilians in Boko Haram's ‘caliphate’"
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New breakdown on Islamic State in Mozambique by
@ToreRHamming
for
@lawfareblog
. Worth a read for those tracking developments there or ISIS generally.
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Must-read thread on ISIS central and the 'caliph' himself's orders to provinces, specifically ISWAP. Also notable how ISWAP 'governs' territories and how Abu Musab al-Barnawi tries to restore some modicum of decency. 👇👇👇
1. More news from ISWAP – in an audio released some time ago (before the Sambisa blitz against
#Shekau
, I think), Abu Musab al Barnawi, the ad interim boss (wali?) of
#ISWAP
#BokoHaram
, details a point he had made in a statement that I have commented earlier. A thread.
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Very practical ground-level investigation of smugglimg along the Sokoto, Nigeria, Konni, Niger border. Well-written. "How smugglers use donkeys, camels, motorbikes to aid movement of contraband."
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When comparing Boko Haram (ISWAP) and al-Shabaab, scenes like this (even understanding its 'propaganda') suggest to me al-Shabaab has more free reign in its territories and more support/embeddedness among the local populations and elders than ISWAP has.
Many armed Clansmen from the Luwaay clan attend an Alshabab sponsored conference in South Western state of Somalia and pledged allegiance to the Amir of Alshabab
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1. The
@RUSI_org
e-conference on "Boko Haram’s Past, Present and Future" is now available via video-link: . Worth a view. (I'll also post some responses to questions that couldn't be answered due to time constraints below here).
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Why ISIS & al-Qaeda fight in the Sahel? 1) ISGS got the upper hand; JNIM responded. 2) IS exerted influence on ISGS to fight JNIM. 3) Areas of ops overlappe. More from my new
@ForeignPolicy
piece w
@ColinPClarke
citing
@MiaMBloom
&
@brian_jphillips
here:
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*Important* ISWAP began targeting aid workers and Christians/churches consistently after Abu Musab al-Barnawi was dethroned by Ba Idrisa in March 2018. Now w Abu Musab back at ISWAP's helm, aid workers and churches may be spared more. See my appended Unmasking Boko Haram excerpt.
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Really honored when scholars like
@ColinPClarke
take up reading my book! I'll look forward to sharing thoughts, esp about Boko Haram in an "After the Caliphate" perspective. Few have as deep insights as CC on what role the US can play to counter IS globally, incl ISWAP in Africa.
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This is a strong study on Boko Haram movements & cells w innovative methods-highly recommended. 50-60 cells about right (qual research incl Salkida say the same). But "fragmented" implies lacking chain-of-command & Im not sure I agree w that specific term.
If a single person was responsible for all Boko Haram events, they would travel 216kms each day, the equivalent of travelling around the Earth twice each year.
Our results show that Boko Haram has a very high level of fragmentation and consists of at least 50–60 separate cells.
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The nail in the coffin confirming Shekau's death would be an ISWAP statement, which HumAngle states is soon/"qariban." It notes, "Sources expect ISWAP to release an official announcement soon."
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My latest article "Case Not Quite Closed on the Assassination of Nigerian Salafi Scholar Shaikh Jaafar Adam" includes research from my book "Unmasking Boko Haram: Exploring Global Jihad in Nigeria" on BH's assassin of the Salafi scholar this week in 2007.
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A new book (in English) on Operation Jusan that saw hundreds of Kazakhs repatriated from ISIS territories in Iraq and Syria is now out. Highly recommended.
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A short 'visual' history of Boko Haram / ISWAP and drones. First example was uncovered in internal video footage from 2014 uncovered by VOA (). Then there have been images in BH propaganda and flyover camera shots by BH in 2017. Not attacks w them (yet).
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