The terrorist group Boko Haram, have reportedly hoisted a flag in the middle belt region of Nigeria, going further to seize the wives of fleeing residents, according to new reports.

Towns in Niger State have been raided by men identified as part of the Islamist group and about 3,000 people have been displaced from their homes.

Niger State governor, Abubakar Bello, confirmed that Boko Haram elements had taken full control of the region and have already hoisted their flag.

“Their towns have been taken over by bandits and Boko Haram elements… Their wives have been seized from them and forcefully attached to Boko Haram members,” the governor said.

“I am confirming that we have Boko Haram elements in Niger State, around Kaure. They have taken over the territory… They have installed their flag,” the governor added.

The governor further warned that the increased terror elements in the region poised a greater threat to Nigeria’s capital city Abuja, which Niger borders to the east.

“The Boko Haram elements are trying to use this area as their home, just as they did in Sambisa. Sambisa is hundreds of kilometers away from Abuja. But Kaure is less than two hours drive to Abuja. So nobody is safe anymore… Not even Abuja is safe,” Governor Bello warned.

About 36,000 have been killed and 2 million displaced by the decade-long fight between the Nigerian army and Boko Haram.