A Nigerian lawyer who helped secure the release of more than 100 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram was awarded one of the United Nations’ top prizes.
Zannah Mustapha was given the annual Nansen award for his “crucial mediating” role as well as his work helping children affected in conflict-riven and impoverished northeast Nigeria.
Boko Haram at a glance
Founded in 2002
Initially focused on opposing Western education
Launched military operations in 2009 to create Islamic state
Designated a terrorist group by US in 2013
Declared a caliphate in areas it controlled in 2014