(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75306000/jpg/_75306515_line976.jpg)
Boko Haram at a glanceFounded 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 an Islamic state
- Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria - has also attacked police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja
- Abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls
- Controls several north-eastern towns
- Launched attacks on neighbouring states
Why is Boko Haram so strong? (http://www.theinfostride.com/news/world-africa-30933860)
IS shaping Boko Haram media (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-31522469)
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75306000/jpg/_75306515_line976.jpg)
Source: BBC