Dreaded Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram have declared an Islamic “caliphate” in the northeast town of Gwoza, in Borno State, Nigeria, becoming the second Islamist militant group in just two months to declare a caliphate.

In a video message obtained by AFP, their leader Abubakar Shekau declared a new caliphate, an Islamic state, in the city.

“Thanks be to Allah who gave victory to our brethren in Gwoza and made it part of the Islamic caliphate,” Abubakar Shekau said in the 52-minute video, according to AFP.



“By the grace of Allah we will not leave the town. We have come to stay,” said Shekau, who has been designated a global terrorist by the United States and sanctioned by the UN Security Council.

The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) earlier this month confirmed reports that Gwoza was under rebel control.

Boko Haram is also believed to be in control of other areas near Gwoza in southern Borno, as well as large swathes of territory in northern Borno and at least one town in neighbouring Yobe state.

Nigerian soldiers have reportedly refused to deploy to retake the town, because of a lack of adequate weapons.