Boko Haram Facts
- Based in the northeastern city of Maiduguri
- Began in 2002 as a non-violent Islamist splinter group
- Launched uprising in 2009; leader was subsequently killed in police custody
- Has killed hundreds in bombings and shootings since 2010
- Boko Haram translates to "Western education is sinful"
- Wants Nigeria to adopt strict Islamic law
- Says it will kidnap women and children as part of its campaign
- Has taken over parts of northeastern Nigeria