The Continuing Threat of Boko Haram

Nigeria is one of the United States' main Africa trading partners, and a major economic and political force, beyond even the African continent. Boko Haram is a Nigerian terrorist organization whose full name in Arabic means "People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad." The name Boko Haram is a translation meaning that conventional education, Boko, is forbidden. Because of its repeated attacks against Christian targets, especially on holy days such as Christmas and Easter, Boko Haram is seen by some as principally anti-Christian. In the last year alone, Boko Haram terrorists are believed to have killed some 1,200 Christians in Nigeria. In fact, it is estimated that 60 percent of Christians killed worldwide because of religious intolerance die in Nigeria. Nigeria continues to be plagued by terrorist forces whose reach extends beyond the borders of that country. Today's hearing is intended to examine the extent to which the organization known as Boko Haram and its affiliates pose a threat to Nigeria, and the region, as well as the United States and the rest of the international community.