Of the sixteen Local Government Areas which make up the Borno Empire, Chibok is one situated in the southern part of Borno state. In April 2014, more than 200 school girls were abducted and since then, the community has lived in fear amidst several attacks. Chibok has become a strategic point and force in the fight against Boko Haram. Here are some of the reasons why this community is still important in the anti-terrorism war against Boko Haram:

1. The abduction of the girls was one of the largest operations carried out by a militant group and so far, there haven’t been any positive reports concerning their whereabouts.

2. After the abduction of the girls, Shekau, the spokesman and ‘supposed leader’ of the sect, released a video requesting that the girls be used as ransom in exchange for their imprisoned members. Thus, the fight now involves the girls because they are being used as a shield of sorts in the war front.

3. Geographically, Chibok is a strategic town, close to the Sambisa forest, the suspected Boko Haram hideout, where the kidnapped school girls were reportedly held.

4. The events of April 2014 have made Chibok a recognisable name in the fight against terrorism and as such, the community is one of the central voices in the fight against the infamous terrorist group.

5. Boko Haram became wild with their most serious operations as an act of desperation on the Chibok community to draw both the attention of the government and the world.