June 16 2011: Police Headquarters Bombed in Abuja

This suicide bombing attack created a surge of panic throughout Nigeria. Curfews were implemented and mosques and churches scheduled prayers and vigils. Days leading up to this attack the government had received warnings from Boko Haram, stating that they were going to increase the frequency and intensity of violence in the country.The attacks by Boko Haram had finally trickled down and reached the center and heart of Nigeria, the capital of Abuja. The country was now in a state of emergency as the security of Nigeria was now in question: "The BBC's Jonah Fisher in Lagos says that, for the Nigerian authorities, the attack is an embarrassing strike at the very heart of their security establishment." This alerted the Nigerian Government that the Boko Haram situation is becoming more pressing and that it will only worsen unless actions are taken.

("Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists 'bombed Abuja police HQ'" June 17,2011). Boko Haram took full responsibility for the attack : "We are responsible for the bomb attack on the police headquarters in Abuja which was to prove a point to all those who doubt our capability." ("Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists 'bombed Abuja police HQ'" June 17,2011)

BBC, "Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists 'bombed Abuja police HQ'." Last modified June 17,2011. Accessed April 19, 2012. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13805688.