The Islamic State (IS) has released a new video,
eulogising Nigeria's Boko Haram, in the latest
sign of closer ties between the two militant
groups.
Images posted on IS-linked social media accounts
refer to Boko Haram as the Islamic State's West
Africa Province (Iswap) - a catchy name aimed at
showing that it has expanded beyond the Middle
East and North Africa.
IS accepted a pledge of allegiance from Boko
Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in March, giving
the group its first foothold in sub-Saharan Africa
in its efforts to create a global caliphate.
The latest images glorify Boko Haram fighters,
describing those killed in battle as martyrs.
Unlike most previous pictures of people Boko
Haram claims as its members, the young men are
not masked and their faces are clearly visible.
Growing alliance:
Boko Haram has previously referred to itself as
Iswap in its increasingly sophisticated
propaganda material.
But it is unclear whether Mr Shekau approves of
the name-change, in an organisation with a
diffused leadership structure.
He still calls Boko Haram by its official name
Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad,
which in Arabic means "People Committed to the
Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and
Jihad".
Boko Haram is a nickname, given to it by
Nigerians when it was formed in 2002. In the
regional Hausa language, Boko Haram means
Western education is forbidden. It reflected what
was then the main focus of the group.
If IS becomes more active in Boko Haram's
affairs, the group's tactics could change and give
the conflict in Nigeria a new dimension.
But Boko Haram has in recent months
encountered a revitalised Nigerian army which,
with the backing of regional forces, has regained
dozens of towns in the north-east.
'Toughest battle'
The jihadists have since retreated to the vast
Sambisa forest - one of its last major hideouts.
However, it would be naive on the part of
Nigeria's authorities to think it is on the brink of
victory.
Even before it began its quest to control territory
last year, Boko Haram had already established
itself as a deadly group, carrying out numerous
attacks across northern Nigeria.
And Nigerian troops are already encountering a
mine-infested forest, slowing down their offensive
against the group.
It is likely that Boko Haram fighters understand
the terrain of this expansive and largely dense
forest better than the military does.
So the Nigerian military is likely to face its
toughest battle yet. In the past, it made
exaggerated claims of success and promises that
it could not deliver on.
For instance, it promised to secure the freedom of
the more than 200 Chibok girls captured by Boko
Haram - and even announced that a ceasefire had
been negotiated with the militants to pave the
way for their release.
More than a year later, the girls are still in
captivity and fighting has continued, killing
thousands of people and destroying whole
villages in the north-east.
So, military officials have become more cautious
in their public statements. They cannot afford to
over-promise and under-deliver once again.



http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32435614

We have much in our hands than we thought.

OK we have heard but I know the clock is ticking on shekau

Islamic State or Western genocide of West African Muslims. I am beginning to wonder why the interest in Boko Haram by the West. Buhari will never understand Boko Haram if he listens to these Western terrorists, especially France's Hollande.

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