Podcasts · Elephant Memories History Podcast

What Caused Boko Haram? Explaining Nigeria's Insurgency

1 Oct 2026 · 39 min · Episode 14

How did a small, eccentric, and puritanical religious sect in north-east Nigeria become one of the world's deadliest insurgent organisations? In this discussion with Dr Atta Barkindo (an expert on Boko Haram who has worked with the Office of the National Security Adviser in Nigeria), we look at how the sect initially began as a non-violent group that preached against the corruption and injustice of Nigerian politicians. Within a decade, the sect radicalised, acquired military grade weapons, and became a national security threat. This interview reveals how the sect is often misunderstood. Some of its members are more educated and intelligent than outsiders realise, and its critiques of corruption and decadence in Nigerian society initially made it popular.

The episode on the publisher’s site ↗ (opens in a new tab)