Reno Omokri’s claim that Boko Haram was not violent has sparked criticism, as records show the group’s long history of deadly attacks.
Reno Omokri has drawn criticism after asserting in a viral video that Boko Haram was not a violent organization, despite the group’s well-documented history of brutality.
Omokri described Boko Haram founder Muhammad Yusuf as a “charismatic preacher who feared God” and lived without materialism, a portrayal that critics say minimizes his role in inciting violent opposition to Nigeria and Western influence. Yusuf’s arrest and death in 2009 marked a turning point that fueled the sect’s deadly insurgency.
Reports from the U.S. Director of National Intelligence detail Boko Haram’s early use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and vehicle-borne IEDs from 2011, underscoring its violent trajectory.
Omokri’s remarks follow his defamation dispute with Nnamdi Kanu, reflecting a pattern of provocative commentary on militant groups.
His comments stand in sharp contrast to the group’s attacks on civilians, security forces, and international targets, which have left thousands dead and displaced millions.