BOKO Haram insurgents have escalated tensions in Nigeria’s North-East, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to authorities over the fate of 416 abducted victims in Borno State, while daring the government to attempt a forceful rescue operation.
In a newly released video obtained by News Point Nigeria in the early hours of Monday, the group warned that failure to meet its demands within the stipulated time would result in the victims many of them women and children being moved to undisclosed locations where they may never be seen again.
The terrorists, clad in military camouflage, declared themselves battle-ready and stated that they “welcome” any attempt by the Nigerian government to rescue the captives by force, signaling a willingness to confront security operatives if such action is taken.
The message, delivered in Hausa and translated into English subtitles, identified the group as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu.
“Today, 19th April 2026, we are issuing a new message to the Borno South Youths Alliance and to the Nigerian government, which we do not recognise as our government. This is our first and final message. We are giving you 72 hours,” the group said.
“If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations. All of them. You have made your decision, and we have made ours. We instruct you, in the name of Allah, not to exceed the given time.”
Despite the grave warning, the group did not explicitly state its demands in the video.
“And take a look at them before we do so, because you may never see them again. If the government believes it can rescue them by force, you are free to try. We depend on Allah,” the spokesperson added.
He further stressed the seriousness of the message, saying, “Let this message reach the Borno South Youth Alliance and the Nigerian government. We do not act lightly. This is our message.”
However, earlier developments indicated that the insurgents had demanded a ransom of ₦5 billion for the release of the victims.
This was confirmed by Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), who said the demand was communicated through a video described by the terrorists as a “final warning.”
According to a statement from BOSYA, “Borno South Youth Alliance wishes to inform the public and the international community that on 19th April 2026, Boko Haram reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum regarding ongoing mediation efforts for the release of the 416 Ngoshe women and children in their custody.”
“According to information received during the mediation process led by BOSYA President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, a final warning video was sent after demands were communicated, including a ransom request of ₦5 billion for the release of the abducted women and children.”
Kaigama called for urgent intervention from government authorities and well-meaning Nigerians, stressing the humanitarian urgency of the situation.
“In view of the urgency of this humanitarian matter, BOSYA renews its appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, concerned Nigerians, and philanthropists, including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and other well-meaning Northern billionaires.”
“We respectfully call on all capable stakeholders to urgently intervene and use every lawful and available means to secure the freedom of these 416 women and children,” he said.