The fight against extremist group Boko Haram has been largely effective, according to the Nigerian government. On Thursday, the military leaders said that Boko Haram has been nearly eradicated from the Adamawa state in Northeastern Nigeria.
Officials posted on twitter that "Troops today succeeded in clearing terrorists out of Madagali. The last of places held by the terrorists in Adamawa." Further, Major General Chris Olukolade spoke at a press conference on Thursday explaining the recent victory for the Nigerian army. The general expressed a confidence that Boko Haram has been pushed out of most areas in Northeastern Nigeria and that next week will be devoted to dealing with remnant forces.
Foreign assistance in the form of mercenaries has been reported. Though President Goodluck Jonathan states that foreign involvement came only in the form of training, troops claim that they took part in fighting. These foreign forces allegedly include members from South Africa along with some European nations.
Despite this victory for the African nations, ISIS poses another threat. According to a recently posted audio clip, spokesperson Abu Mohammad al-Adnani expressed the Islamic State's acceptance of Boko Haram's allegiance.
"Our caliph, God save him, has accepted the pledge of loyalty of our brothers of Boko Haram so we congratulate Muslims and our jihadi brothers in West Africa," said the spokesman in reference to ISIS leader Abu Bark al-Baghdadi.
The Islamic State is a more prominent terrorist organization than Boko Haram, and the allegiance of the two extremist groups causes dangerous implications to the African Nations. The Islamic State's influence may garner more support for Boko Haram through the affiliation, which may result in more recruits. In the audio clip, spokesperson Adnani encourages IS supporters who cannot come to the Middle East to join the effort in Africa.
Nations around the world have been involved in the fight against the extremist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State. This week, a coalition of Iraqi troops and militants reclaimed parts of Tikrit from ISIS while U.S.-led airstrikes continued.
