This book is the first attempt to understand Boko Haram in a comprehensive and consistent way. It examines the early history of the sect and its transformation into a radical armed group. It analyses the causes of the uprising against the Nigerian state and evaluates the consequences of the on-going conflict from a religious, social and political point of view. The book gives priority to authors conducting fieldwork in Nigeria and tackles the following issues: the extent to which Boko Haram can be considered the product of deprivation and marginalisation
the relationship of the sect with almajirai, Islamic schools, Sufi brotherhoods, Izala, and Christian churches
the role of security forces and political parties in the radicalisation of the sect
the competing discourses in international and domestic media coverage of the crisis
and the consequences of the militarisation of the conflict for the Nigerian government and the civilian population, Christian and Muslim.