Publication

This paper is the third in a series that focuses on the radical Islamist movement Boko Haram in Nigeria, with this issue focusing on the activities of the group and developments related to it during mid-2015. The author contends that by this period, Boko Haram had altered its tactical approach, partly due to advice received from the Islamic State (IS), and that it now focuses on waging a mobile guerrilla war. He then suggests this strategy has enabled the group to dictate the pace of the conflict it is involved in with Nigeria and in neighboring states. Among other issues he also addresses 1) the spread of this conflict in West Africa 2) the video and operational activities of Boko Haram, 3) developments in the leadership of the organization; 4) the spread of al-Qaida in western Africa; 5) the relationship between IS and Boko Haram; and 6) what the future might hold for the conflict in western Africa.