Boko Haram gets recruits through business loans, Nigeria says

ABUJA, Nigeria, April 21 (UPI) -- The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram enticers recruits by offering loans to trades people in Nigeria, the army said.

In a statement, the army explained how the insurgent group, which seeks an Islamic caliphate with Sharia law in Nigeria, offers loans to local "butchers, traders, tailors beauticians and other vocational entrepreneurs," then either kills or recruits them when the loans, "surreptitiously programmed to fail by the benefactor" are due.

The army pointed to the loan program as an example of Boko Haram's desperation and proof the sustained government military offensive against it is succeeding. They warned resident to avoid involvement.

Reports by the military of patrols in northeastern Nigeria finding Boko Haram captives, supplies, weapons and ammunition are a near-daily occurrence.

Some, though, have been critical of the effort to stop Boko Haram, which since 2009 has killed more people than the Islamic State, the Global Terrorism Index notes. Last week was the second anniversary of the kidnapping of nearly 300 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria, an incident that roused world condemnation and put a spotlight on Nigeria's efforts to contain the organization.

The girls have not been found, and are presumed to be still in captivity, forcefully married to Boko Haram members or used as suicide bombers.