(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75306000/jpg/_75306515_line976.jpg)
Boko Haram at a glance(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80142000/jpg/_80142357_afp_bh.jpg)
- Founded in 2002, initially focused on opposing Western-style education - Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language
- Launched military operations in 2009 to create Islamic state
- Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria - has also attacked police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja
- Has abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls
- Controls several north-eastern towns
- Has launched attacks on Cameroon
Why is Boko Haram so strong? (http://www.theinfostride.com/news/world-africa-30933860)
Soldiers without weapons (http://www.theinfostride.com/news/magazine-30930767)
Source: BBC