Followers of the Prophet

9.9

An armed Islamic group in Nigeria that attacks people and causes violence

noun

Offensive

: Seguidores del Profeta

The Nigerian military is actively combating the influence of the Followers of the Prophet in the northern region.

Examples

Many citizens have been displaced due to violence attributed to the Followers of the Prophet.
International news agencies reported that the Followers of the Prophet were behind several recent attacks.
The Followers of the Prophet have been active in northern Nigeria.
Many Followers of the Prophet oppose Western influence.
International news agencies reported that the Followers of the Prophet were behind several recent attacks.
The Nigerian military is actively combating the influence of the Followers of the Prophet in the northern region.
Many citizens have been displaced due to violence attributed to the Followers of the Prophet.

Surface Forms

Followers of the Prophet singular

Followers of the Prophets plural

Morphology

followers + of + the + prophet

The phrase literally combines 'followers' + 'of' + 'the' + 'prophet' so a B1 learner who knows the words will understand it refers to people who follow a prophet. However, the specific reference to a named Nigerian extremist organization and its connotations of fundamentalism and suspected terrorist activity are not derivable from the constituents, so the full sociopolitical meaning is not predictable without prior exposure.

Etymology

Followers of the Prophet comes from the simple image of followers standing behind a prophet to show 'loyalty' and 'obedience'. That's why groups sometimes pick this name to claim they act for the prophet, and today the phrase refers to a Nigerian extremist group known for violent attacks.