Nigeria’s
media was de-regulated in 1992 and communication and media outlets have grown
since then. With the rise of the internet worldwide, Nigeria has seen a
tremendous boost in connectivity and the Internet currently has the most impact
on Nigerians. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s notorious Boko Haram group has also
harnessed the power of the Internet.
Boko
Haram, a violent, extremist Islamist sect that rose out of poverty and
frustration in Northern Nigeria, has been wreaking terror on both Christian and
Muslim northern residents. Led by Mohammed Yusef, the group actively uses new
media and mobile phones to promote and organize its activities. Its leaders and
spokespersons contact journalists though telephone to present its message,
threats and admit to attacks. They post propaganda videos on Youtube. The group
also accesses Facebook to disguise its members and mission and reach out to
people to recruit new members. Also use Internet to determine new methods for
making bombs.
Boko
Haram "have mobile phones like most Nigerians but they use their own to
talk to their members and give them instructions about potential targets."
(Musa A, pg. 120).
Musa,
A. (2012). Socio-economic incentives, new media and the Boko Haram campaign of
violence in Northern Nigeria. Journal Of African Media Studies, 4(1), 111-124.
doi:10.1386/jams.4.1.111_1
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