The Islamic State's Newest Ally

Isis, the largest terror group in history, has just grown even more powerful, combining with Nigeria’s Islamic fundamentalist group Boko Haram. The Nigerian based Boko Haram recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State on their Twitter account, declaring their intention to follow ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in times of “prosperity and hardship.” Known for their extreme cruelty, Boko Haram’s seven to ten thousand man force has been responsible for 13,000 killings since 2009 – and now seek to expand the Islamic State’s caliphate deep into Africa.

Under siege from neighboring attacks by Niger and Chad, Boko Haram has been significantly damaged in recent weeks, but all of those setbacks could be reversed with this recent declaration of allegiance to ISIS. The wealthy ISIS still makes millions of dollars a day in oil sales and kidnapping ransoms, so there is no doubt that Boko Haram will financially benefit from this recent allegiance. ISIS recently released a five year plan of conquest, showing much of the African continent under their control.

Many fighters from the ISIS franchises in North Africa face trouble migrating to the Middle East, so new waves of forces may instead move to Boko Haram’s territory. Boko Haram, which was recently accused of cannibalism due to an inability to find food, will be replenished by the new support from ISIS. With much of Northern Africa already firmly controlled by Islamic fundamentalists, there is no doubt that the Islamic Caliphate is spreading to global levels.