Nigeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused
havoc in Africa's most populous country through a wave of bombings,
assassinations and abductions - is fighting to overthrow the government and
create an Islamic state.
Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it "haram", or
forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity
associated with Western society.
This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers or
receiving a secular education.
Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by
non-believers, regardless of whether the president is Muslim or not - and it has
extended its military campaign by targeting neighbouring
states.
