Fact Check: Did Shettima Create Boko Haram? The Truth Behind Sheriff’s Claim
Fact Check: Did Shettima Create Boko Haram? The Truth Behind Sheriff’s Claim
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
The political atmosphere in Nigeria’s northeast has again been stirred by a viral image claiming that “It’s not me, it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram,” allegedly said by former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff. The post, which has spread widely on social media, has reignited long-standing debates over the roots of the deadly insurgency that has ravaged the region for over a decade.
The Claim
The viral post suggests that Vice President Kashim Shettima, and not Ali Modu Sheriff, was behind the creation of Boko Haram — the militant Islamist group responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and mass displacement across Nigeria’s northeast. The claim appeared in meme-style headlines on social media and has been reposted by various pages without credible attribution or evidence.
Fact-Check Findings
Independent investigation and historical records show that the claim is misleading and unproven.
According to credible academic and historical sources, Boko Haram was founded by the late Mohammed Yusuf in Maiduguri, Borno State, in the early 2000s. Yusuf established the group officially known as “Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad” — meaning “People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad.” After his death in 2009, the movement grew increasingly violent under Abubakar Shekau and other factions.
The Political Context
During Borno’s turbulent political years between 2013 and 2017, Shettima and Sheriff — both former governors of the state — engaged in public blame exchanges. Sheriff accused Shettima’s administration of mismanaging the security situation, while Shettima accused Sheriff of earlier political ties with some religious groups before Boko Haram turned violent.
However, there is no credible evidence or court record proving that either politician directly founded or financed Boko Haram. Analysts consider such claims part of a political blame game rather than factual revelations.
Expert View
According to the United States Institute of Peace and Britannica reports, Boko Haram’s creation was rooted in religious extremism, youth radicalization, and socio-economic grievances — not in partisan politics. The movement predated both governors’ administrations and drew support from disillusioned youths in Borno’s poorest districts.
Why the Claim Is Misleading
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It lacks credible documentary or investigative backing.
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It originated from politically charged disputes and social media memes.
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Authoritative historical accounts name Mohammed Yusuf, not any politician, as Boko Haram’s founder.
Conclusion
The viral headline claiming that “Shettima created Boko Haram” is false and politically motivated. The statement attributed to Sheriff is not substantiated by any credible record, and the origins of Boko Haram remain clearly linked to Mohammed Yusuf and ideological extremism. Nigerians are advised to verify information before sharing, especially on sensitive security matters that could inflame tensions or defame public figures.
Source: Sahara Reporters, Premium Times, Ripples Nigeria, Britannica, United States Institute of Peace.
Facebook Caption:
“Did Shettima really create Boko Haram?” — A viral claim has sparked renewed debate online, but what does the truth say? Read this detailed fact-check by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi for Global Egberi Media International. 🇳🇬🕊️ #FactCheck #Borno #TruthMatters
Author:
Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International
🌐 https://globalegberi.blogspot.com
📧 globalegberimedia@gmail.com
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