The article tells the story of Confidant Danjuma Martins, a 10-year-old girl living in a village in Kaduna state, Nigeria, after moving from Lagos due to financial hardships following her father's death. Confidant's father was HIV-positive, and her family struggled to make ends meet, prompting the move to the village where her mother, Deborah, earns a meager income cleaning a local orphanage. Confidant helps with household chores and attends a government-run school, which is lacking in resources. Her great-aunt, Asabe Dauda, is concerned about the quality of education and Confidant's frequent illnesses. Despite the challenges, the family has found some advantages in moving, such as a less cramped living space and additional income from renting out a room. The article also provides a factfile on Nigeria, highlighting issues such as under-five mortality rate, poverty levels, GDP, government debt, life expectancy, and primary education enrollment.

The article reports on the situation in northeast Nigeria, where Boko Haram militants have been attacking towns, killing adult men, and preaching the establishment of an Islamic caliphate. The insurgents, armed with automatic rifles and machetes, have been targeting men over 18, particularly those suspected of being part of a pro-government vigilante group. Women are spared but are told they will be married to the militants and must live under Islamic rule. The group's tactics have shifted from hit-and-run to seizing and holding territory, emulating the Islamic State's actions in Iraq and Syria. Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, has declared a caliphate in Gwoza and installed himself in the Emir's palace. The Nigerian armed forces are counter-attacking with warplanes and have managed to halt Boko Haram's advance in some areas. The violence has caused thousands to flee and has raised concerns among Nigeria's western allies. The article includes eyewitness accounts from survivors and discusses the broader implications for Nigeria's security and upcoming national elections.

The article discusses the kidnapping of 276 girls by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram from a school in Chibok, northeastern Nigeria, highlighting the Nigerian government's and military's failure to prevent the attack despite prior warnings. The military's response was hampered by internal issues such as corruption, low morale, and lack of proper equipment. The article also touches on the political tensions between the federal government and state governors, which have hindered a coordinated response to Boko Haram's insurgency. Despite the allocation of significant funds to security, the military's capabilities have been questioned, and the education ministry has been criticized for its lack of action. The international community has offered assistance, but mistrust and disorganization within Nigeria's government and military persist. The personal stories of the victims and their families are also highlighted, emphasizing the human impact of the conflict.