We are in Niger State to establish Islamic Country, says ISWAP, Boko Haram

We are in Niger State to establish Islamic Country, says ISWAP, Boko Haram

By Salim Bako, Minna

The Islamic State for West Africa Province, (ISWAP) is in Niger State with the sole aim of furthering the emergence of Islamic country, the Niger State Government has said.

In a press event organised by the Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Matane in Minna quoted ISWAP as saying in radio broadcast made by the extremist group to locals.

Matane said ISWAP is already working with Boko Haram while some bandits are also cooperating with them to push for an Islamic State in Nigeria.

Matane said the extremist group is building a camp around Kainji National Park in the Babanna area of Borgu and Shiroro local government areas of the state.

Matane said “Now, they have made some audio recordings saying that they are there, that they are not kidnappers, that they are a religious organisation that is poised to establish a caliphate that will deal with issues of criminality and other related issues.”

He said further: “They are the same people that kidnapped the Dodo of Wawa, they assured us that they are not bandits, that they are there because they are God sent.”

On the activities of the armed group in Shiroro, he said “They are persuading the people to join their group, they are instigating the villagers against the government, they are indoctrinating the people”.

He said ISWAP and Boko Haram are now working together in Nigeria but have been repelled by the authorities of Benin Republic.

“Benin Republic has put a barrier on their border so they are only operating along the periphery of Nigeria border with Benin republic around the Kainji National Park,” he  said.

Last week, 22 young girls were kidnapped by ISWAP and Boko Haram from Sarkin Daji in the Kurebe area of Niger State.

Niger State said in the past two years, it has spent over N5 billion on security while some 151,380 are internally displaced  within the period.

Matane said the following areas are threatened by ISWAP and Boko Haram in Niger State: Munya, Shiroro, Mashegu, Rafi, Mariga Lapai and Borgu

Early this week, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Farouk Yahaya visited Niger State where he urged soldiers to deal decisively with armed groups in the state.

Harps On Training For Improved Security
Meanwhile, the chief of army staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Farouk Yahaya, has assured that the troops are being trained to beef up security in the country.
The Army chief later met with the Niger State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello at the Government House in Minna.