It is being suspected that the Boko Haram militants have seized a key military base outside the Nigerian town of Baga near Lake Chad. After engaging troops in a fierce battle that lasted several hours these militants forced the troops to abandon the base.
What is Boko Haram?
- Boko Haram means “Western education is forbidden“
- Official name is Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad means “People Committed to the Prophet’s Teachings for Propagation and Jihad“
- A terrorist, militant and Islamist movement based in northeast Nigeria with additional activities in Chad, Niger and Cameroon
- Led by Abubakar Shekau
- Designated as a terrorist organization by New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and the United Nations Security Council
- It has been declared as an al-Qaeda affiliate
