The Al-Qaeda Accelerant in Boko Haram's Rise

Using primary source materials, this case study maps the groups many factions, loyalalties, splinterings, and re-formations. The author supplies deep insight into the seams and gaps that exist, and how strategic and tactical motivations have propelled an armed group to regional importance. The book dissects how the group’s evolution has taken place under the watchful eye, and often directing hand, of both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham and highlights it’s starring role in a new international rivalry: an uncivil war between al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

Message from the Editors 3

Author Biography 5

I. Introduction: The Chibok Kidnapping, AQIM, and Islamic State 7

A. AQIM’s Response 10

B. Islamic State’s Response 13

C. A Note on Names and History (Nigerian Taliban, JAS 1.0 and 2.0, Ansaru and West Africa Province)  16

D. Al-Qaeda’s Hand in Nigeria 20

Figure 1. Evolution of the Nigerian Taliban to JAS 1996-2017.... 20

II. Al-Qaeda Reaches Into Nigeria 27

A. Bin Laden’s Early Encounters with Nigerians 30

B. Yusuf and His Following   35

C. Shekau and AQIM Connect 42

III. AQIM Enters Nigeria  49

Figure 2. Locations of Attacks by JAS & Ansaru from 2010-2012   51

Figure 3. JAS, JAS AQIM, & Ansaru Attacks 2010-2012  52

A. JAS Shekau Faction  53

B. The JAS AQIM Faction  55

C. Ansaru 61

IV. From AQIM to ISIS  71

A. The JAS Shekau Faction Wins Out 74

B. Creating the Caliphate  82

C. The Caliphate in Crisis  89

V. Conclusion: Future Scenarios  95

Military leaders, U.S. diplomats and foreign officers may benefit from the author's insights.  Students of political science may also be interested in this research.