Briefing Paper

How Boko Haram Specifically Targets Displaced People

Since 2009, Boko Haram has proven to be a highly adaptable foe, routinely realigning its tactics
to suit changing circumstances. In recent years, this has increasingly involved focusing on soft
targets, including displaced people (both refugees and internally displaced people). Understanding
how Boko Haram has targeted displaced people and what some of its specific objectives might be
is key to understanding their true threat.