Boko Haram insurgents have taken over Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger, Governor Sani Bello announced on Monday, a development that threatens Nigeria’s power infrastructure and the capital Abuja.

Shiroro hosts one of Nigeria’s largest power stations and the overrun LGA is barely 200 kilometres from Nigeria’s capital Abuja. 

Mr Bello said more than 3,000 people have been displaced across the state, including those fleeing Shiroro and Munya LGAs. 

“We have over 3,000 people here from communities that have been displaced by bandits and Boko Haram elements around Munya and Shiroro Local Government Areas,” he said. “However, some of them have started going to their various homes.”

“There are some other communities that we think are safe but a vast majority of them will have to remain here because their villages and towns have been taken over by the Boko Haram elements. 

“Their wives have been forcefully attached to Boko Haram elements. In fact, I just heard they have already placed their flag in Kauri which means they have taken over the territory,” the governor added.

Niger has faced a relentless assault from rampaging bandits in recent months. The state was at the centre of repeated abductions earlier this year and continues to endure insecurity. The governor now said the Boko Haram elements have also infiltrated the state and could soon march on Abuja, which shares a border with Niger.

Boko Haram’s activities in central Nigeria as confirmed by Mr Bello came days after the insurgents overran Geidam, a large but densely populated community in Yobe. The insurgents have reportedly circulated their flyers and asked all residents to comply to the dictates of an emerging caliphate.