Via AFP:

Boko Haram’s commitment to the jihadi group the Islamic State, has just become even more pronounced, after the Nigerian terrorist organization changed its name to ISWAP or Islamic State’s West Africa Province.

The move appears to give the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) a foothold outside of the Middle East and North Africa for the first time, as the terrorist organization tries to create a global caliphate.

Links between the two militant Islamist organizations have grown over the last year. A recent video released by IS sang the praises of Boko Haram fighters, while the Nigeria-based militant group also released a propaganda video, via IS’s social media channels.

The accounts dropped the name Boko Haram, as well as its official title, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, Arabic for “People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad.” Instead the Nigerian group was referred to as ISWAP.

The photographs all carried the logos, which have been typically seen in official IS material that has been published. This would appear to show that the terror group, which has carved out large amounts of territory in Iraq and Syria has taken full control of Boko Haram’s propaganda. It is also the first time in over a month that Boko Haram has officially released any footage of their militants.

The faces of the African militant fighters were not covered, while some were also wearing uniforms. Photographs showed the jihadists menacingly brandishing guns and rocket launchers, while the black and white flag belonging to IS was also clearly visible. The Nigeria-based Daily Times mentioned the photos were probably taken in the Sambisa Forest, which is believed to be the group’s last stronghold.