The government of Niger State has cried out that terrorists from the Islamic State of West Africa Province and Boko Haram have taken over communities in the state.

The Secretary to the state government, Ahmed Matane, disclosed this during a press conference in Minna on Tuesday.

According to Matane, the terrorist has been preaching strict Islamic ideology and banning women from going to conventional schools.

The state government identified some of the affected communities in the state as Shukuba, Koki, Kusare, and Madaka.

He added that the terrorists are assuring the people of these communities of protection but asking them to reject western education as well as government directives.

Matane said, “These people often go to communities to communicate with them and assure them that they will not harm them, and join them during Friday congregational prayer to preach to them on the need to forsake western education and embark on civil disobedience.

“They also made a video claiming that they are not kidnappers, but engaging in religious activities. They have assured us (Government) that they are ‘God sent’ to establish an Islamic caliphate. Despite their rapprochement, we are not negotiating with them.

“ISWAP is trying to establish a camp at National Park at Babana in Borgu Local government Area of the State.”

Matane noted that the relationship between bandit terrorists and Boko Haram insurgents has escalated attacks on innocent residents in recent times.

The Government official who stated that the state government has spent five billion Naira in tackling security challenges said the government is worried the situation has continued to escalate.