TheCable

Boko Haram has declared an Islamic caliphate in Gwoza, a town in Borno state presently under its control.

Gwoza and some other communities in the northeastern part of the country have come under heavy attacks from the sect and Boko Haram has gone ahead to hoist its flag in parts of the region where it has been able to oust security operatives.

In a 52-minute video obtained by AFP, Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the sect, boasted that Gwoza is now under its full control and no longer a part of Nigeria.

“Thanks be to Allah who gave victory to our brethren in Gwoza and made it part of the Islamic caliphate,” said Shekau in the video.

“By the grace of Allah, we will not leave the town. We have come to stay.”

Ever since the declaration of the state of emergency in the country, Boko Haram has launched series of attack on different communities, unleashing terror and engaging security personnel in a serious battle.

Last week, Boko Haram overran a riot police academy in Gwoza, forcing most of the officers there to flee for safety.

Up till date, the whereabouts of the traditional leader of the town is unknown, as  he was declared missing after the insurgents attacked the community.