This story from Reuters shows just how enmeshed the Boko Haram movement is at every level of Nigerian society. Nigeria security says politicians sponsor Islamists http://mobile.reuters.com/regional/a...121?edition=af
Have you heard about the 3Gs of African politics? Guns, goons and gold.

Interesting to note that the Niger Delta militancy really took off after the 1999 elections - former political thugs/muscles for hire decided to apply their skills elsewhere.

There is also evidence of links between politicians in the Niger Delta and Niger Delta militants - both parties have use for each other.