The Nigerian government has been unable to stop them, and it is an open question whether it is really even trying very hard to do so. This is a capital that could be heard from in the future.

“EXCLUSIVE: Daring Boko Haram Terrorists Declare Borno Town As West African ‘Caliphate Headquarters,’” Sahara Reporters, January 24, 2022:

The leadership of Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has declared Gudumbali, a town in Borno State as its Manhaja Jundun Khilafah Wylaya West Africa (Caliphate headquarters)….

Gudumbali is the headquarters of Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria.

It’s located approximately 125 kilometres north of the state capital, Maiduguri.

Since the death of JAS leader, Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has been consolidating its grip in locations around Lake Chad.

Just recently, it appointed Wali Sani Shuwaram, a 45-year-old as the new Leader (Wali) of ISWAP in Lake Chad.

The sect’s membership has swollen with the defection of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters under late Shekau.

The Nigerian Army has repeatedly claimed that insurgency had been largely defeated and the military frequently underplays any losses.