FRESH concerns over Nigeria’s deepening security crisis have emerged following coordinated ransom demands totalling N6 billion by terrorists holding hundreds of abducted victims in Borno and Kaduna states.
News Point Nigeria reports that in Borno State, Boko Haram insurgents are demanding N5 billion for the release of 416 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum through mediators.
In a separate development in Kaduna State, suspected terrorists who attacked Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area on Easter Sunday have demanded N1 billion for the release of several kidnapped residents, including vulnerable individuals.
The twin incidents have left affected communities traumatised and families in distress, further highlighting the growing scale and boldness of mass abductions across the country, while raising urgent questions about response strategies and the capacity of security agencies to contain the threat.
On Monday, Boko Haram terrorists reiterated their demand of N5 billion to secure the release of the 416 victims abducted from Ngoshe, many of whom are women and children.
In a video released by the group, the terrorists dared the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue operation, warning that they were fully prepared for confrontation.
The group issued a 72-hour ultimatum, insisting that their demands must be met within the stipulated period.
According to the footage obtained by our correspondent in the early hours of Monday, the group declared that it “welcomes” any attempt by the Nigerian government to use force to rescue the victims.
The terrorists, clad in military camouflage, said they were battle-ready should the government choose military action instead of meeting their demands.
The message, delivered in Hausa and translated into English on-screen, read: “We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu.
“Today, being 19th April 2026, we are giving out a new message to the Borno South Youths Alliance and also to the Nigerian government, who are not our government.
“This is our first and last message. We give you 72 hours. If you do not meet our demands, we will share these victims, including women and children, to different locations. Yes, all of them.
“You have made yours, we have made ours. We are instructing you with the fear of Allah not to add a minute.”
However, the group did not explicitly state its demands in the video.
“And take a look at them before we do so, because you will never see them again till the world ends. And if the government thinks you can save them by using force, you are welcome to try. We depend on Allah,” the group’s spokesperson added.
Recall that on April 10, it was reported that a faction of Boko Haram, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, had earlier released a video showing the condition of victims abducted during the attack on Ngoshe, which claimed several lives and displaced many others.
In that earlier footage, the victims—mostly women and children, alongside a few men—were displayed and interviewed.
A member of the group, who spoke on behalf of the terrorists in the six-minute, 43-second clip, said the video was produced following a request by the Borno South Youths Alliance, which has been acting as a mediator since the victims were taken captive.
In a statement issued late Sunday night, the Borno South Youths Alliance confirmed that the terrorists had communicated their demands, which must be met within 72 hours to secure the victims’ release.
According to the President of the association, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, the demand was conveyed through what the group described as a “final warning” video.
The statement read: “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 concerning ongoing mediation efforts for the release of the 416 Ngoshe women and children said to be in their captivity.
“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 N5 billion for the release of the abducted women and children.”
The group added that instructions regarding the release process had also been communicated.
“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,” Kaigama said.
“We respectfully call on all capable stakeholders to urgently intervene and use every lawful and available means to help secure the freedom of these 416 women and children,” he added.
It will be recalled that on March 4, the terrorist group attacked a military base in Ngoshe, burning operational vehicles, dispersing security personnel, killing an unspecified number of victims, and abducting several others.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to take all necessary steps to secure the release of the abducted Nigerians.
Speaking exclusively with our correspondent in Abuja on Monday, Ndume said the government at both state and federal levels must resist any temptation to negotiate with terrorists.
“I am not in favour of negotiating with terrorists for the release of captives. My position is very clear on that. The government should do everything possible to get the captives released,” he said.
He noted that some level of engagement was ongoing and that the government had responded by providing relief materials to displaced victims.
“The government, I’m sure, is doing something because we are talking at some level, helping them and getting in touch.
“The government has responded to the press conference, saying that those who are in the IDP camps need immediate humanitarian assistance.
“The National Emergency Management Agency has responded and is working with other agencies to make sure that at least relief materials are sent to them.
“But as for their release, we have called the attention of the Federal Government, and it is already in the public domain that 416 of the women, children and elderly are in captivity.
“The government should do whatever it can to secure their release,” he added.
On whether the presence of United States-deployed troops has helped reduce the terrorism threat, the senator said the impact would be evident if it was being felt.
“We are all in Nigeria. If the impact is being felt, you will know. If it is not being felt, you will know.
“All I can say is that we are in a very dire situation that calls for more serious attention. The declaration of a state of emergency on security has to be enforced and seen to be enforced. That is the issue.
“I have suggested that they should have a situation room. Till now, more of these threats are coming up here and there. We need to stand up to it, forget about every other thing, and focus on the issue of security and the welfare of citizens,” he added.