The aim of jihad in all its forms is to impose Islamic law. In that regard, Boko Haram’s choice of targets is very focused: either places that violate Islamic law (bars serving alcohol, or banks that may charge interest), or people who help make or enforce the laws of what is not an Islamic republic governed solely by Sharia. “Maiduguri: ‘Boko Haram’ attacks Nigeria police stations,” from BBC News, June 7:
At least five people have been killed after police stations were attacked in the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, hospital sources say.
The BBC’s Bilkisu Babangida in the city says there were at least three explosions, while gunfire rang out in what is believed to be the latest attack by the Boko Haram Islamist sect.
Its members have killed dozens of police officers and politicians in the city in the past year.
It wants to overthrow Nigeria’s state.
It believes that Western education is wrong. […]
Last week, Boko Haram told the BBC it had carried out a series of bombings after President Goodluck Jonathan’s inauguration.
A sect spokesman said it was also responsible for killing the brother of the Shehu of Borno, one of Nigeria’s most important Islamic leaders.
The police have made hundreds of arrests and even banned motorbikes at night but have not been able to stop the violence.