11
July 2012
Past Event
A Round Table Discussion on Nigeria'’s Boko Haram with Representatives of the Christian Nigerian Association

A Round Table Discussion on Nigeria'’s Boko Haram with Representatives of the Christian Nigerian Association

Past Event
Hudson Institute, Washington, D.C. Headquarters
July 11, 2012
Default Event Image
11
July 2012
Past Event

1015 15th Street, N.W., 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005

Speakers:
Nina Shea,

Hudson Senior Fellow and Director of Center for Religious Freedom

Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor,

President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

Reverend Oladimeji  P. Thompson,

Special Adviser to the CAN President on Conflict Resolution and Terrorism Matters

Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom hosted an informal briefing by representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria. Speakers focused on the political ascendancy of the violent terrorist group Boko Haram, the impact on Nigeria's religious minorities, and the group within its broader geopolitical and historical context. Last month, the U.S. Department of State named three top Boko Haram commanders as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists."

Jama'__atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad (Association of Sunnis for the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad)__, commonly known as "Boko Haram," has had a long history of carrying out violent terrorist attacks in Nigeria. The State Department reports:

"In the last 18 months, Boko Haram or associated militants have killed more than 1,000 people. Boko Haram is credited with the August 26, 2011 attack on the United Nations building in Abuja, that killed at least 23 people and wounded scores more. Boko Haram also claimed responsibility for the December 25, 2011 attack on the Saint Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Nigeria, that killed at least 35 and wounded dozens more. Boko Haram's deadliest violence occurred on January 20, 2012 in Kano, Nigeria, with a series of attacks that killed more than 180 people. Boko Haram's victims have been overwhelmingly civilian."

Since its inception a decade ago, Boko Haram has clearly articulated its goals and ambitions to create an Islamist state in Nigeria. The Christian Association of Nigeria has gained critical insights into the structure, hierarchy, and operations of the group. 

Related Events
17
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Motwani Jadeja US-India Dialogue Series: US-India Relations and the Defense COMPACT
Featured Speakers:
Vikram J. Singh
Anthony Renzulli
Dr. Sameer Lalwani
Ingrid Henick
Moderator:
Aparna Pande
Getty images
17
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Motwani Jadeja US-India Dialogue Series: US-India Relations and the Defense COMPACT

Dr. Aparna Pande will host an expert panel to discuss how Washington and New Delhi can increase security collaboration to bolster security both bilaterally and multilaterally in the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Getty images
Featured Speakers:
Vikram J. Singh
Anthony Renzulli
Dr. Sameer Lalwani
Ingrid Henick
Moderator:
Aparna Pande
17
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Industry, Security, and Community: Senator David McCormick on the Nippon Steel–U.S. Steel Deal
Featured Speakers:
Senator David McCormick
Hiroshi Ono
Kevin Lewis
Stefani Pashman
Moderators:
Joel Scanlon
William Chou
(Courtesy of U.S. Steel)
17
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Industry, Security, and Community: Senator David McCormick on the Nippon Steel–U.S. Steel Deal

Experts talk about why this deal supports American workers and communities, the major capital and technological investment, and how Nippon Steel’s investment advances American industrial and economic strength.

(Courtesy of U.S. Steel)
Featured Speakers:
Senator David McCormick
Hiroshi Ono
Kevin Lewis
Stefani Pashman
Moderators:
Joel Scanlon
William Chou
18
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Africa in the Dark: The Cost of Misguided International Energy Policies
Featured Speaker:
Professor Brenda Shaffer
Moderator:
Zineb Riboua
Getty Images
18
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Africa in the Dark: The Cost of Misguided International Energy Policies

Hudson’s Zineb Riboua will host Professor Brenda Shaffer, faculty member of the Naval Postgraduate School and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center, to discuss Dr. Shaffer’s latest research paper and international energy policy shifts that can help address the challenge. 

Getty Images
Featured Speaker:
Professor Brenda Shaffer
Moderator:
Zineb Riboua
19
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Venezuela: Can US Pressure Break Maduro’s Grip?
Featured Speakers:
Eric Farnsworth
Carrie Filipetti
David Smolansky
Moderator:
Daniel Batlle
Getty Images
19
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Venezuela: Can US Pressure Break Maduro’s Grip?

Join Adjunct Fellow Daniel Batlle and a panel of experts as they dissect these questions.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Eric Farnsworth
Carrie Filipetti
David Smolansky
Moderator:
Daniel Batlle