The Islamic State of West Africa and Boko Haram are attempting to establish a camp near the Kainji National Park in the Babanna region of Borgu and Shiroro local government areas of Niger State, according to the state administration.
The state government’s announcement claimed that gunmen have taken over portions of the Kainji National Park and are abducting civilians in the region.
During a news conference in Minna yesterday, Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG) Ahmed Matane verified this situation, adding that ISWAP was responsible for the recent kidnapping of a traditional ruler, the Dodo of Wawa.
“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.
“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.
“They are persuading the people to join their group, they are instigating the villagers against the government, they are indoctrinating the people,” Mr Matane said.
The SSG promised that it had gathered strategic intelligence reports on their actions and developed a mechanism to deter them from setting up camps.
Mr Matane also reported that Boko Haram kidnapped 22 young girls from Sarkin Daji in Kurebe last week and that the government is working diligently to ensure their release.
