The Council on Foreign Relations reported Tuesday on staged attacks by Boko Haram operatives on the telecommunication infrastructure in several states in Nigeria.
It is unclear what the goal of these attacks is, beyond accusations that the cell companies are helping security services track the group. Boko Haram’s “martyred” founder, Mohammed Yusuf, did not reject modern technology, and, presumably, Boko Haram operatives also use cell phones. If attacks on cell phone infrastructure continue, and if ALTON members do suspend service, the consequences will be dire for outside communication with the North. In a region characterized by high unemployment, the collapse of manufacturing and too little investment in agriculture, destruction of communication facilities can only make things worse for most people.
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