Spiraling Violence

Boko Haram Attacks and Security Force Abuses in Nigeria

Glossary

Summary

Recommendations

Methodology

I. Fertile Ground for Militancy

Corruption and Police Brutality

Poverty

Inter-communal Violence

II. Boko Haram

Origins

The July 2009 Violence

Mohammed Yusuf’s Execution

The Group Goes Underground

III. Boko Haram Attacks

Attacks on Security Forces

Attacks on Christians

Attacks on Muslim Critics and Government Collaborators

Attacks on the UN, Bars, and Schools

IV. Security Forces Abuses

Extrajudicial Killings by the Police

Extrajudicial Killings by the Military

Other Abuses during Raids and at Checkpoints

Detention-Related Abuses

V. Crimes Against Humanity

VI. Lack of Accountability

Prosecution of Boko Haram Suspects

Prosecution of Security Force Personnel

VII. Nigeria’s Foreign Partners

Acknowledgements

Appendix I: Timeline of Major Events

Appendix II: Timeline of Major Attacks on Churches