Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have released a new video threatening to relocate 416 abducted victims in Borno State if their demands are not met within 72 hours.
In the footage obtained on Monday, the group dared the Federal Government to attempt a forceful rescue, declaring that its fighters were fully prepared for confrontation.
The insurgents, clad in military camouflage, described the message as their “first and final warning,” adding that any delay in meeting their demands could result in the victims—comprising women and children—being moved to undisclosed locations.
“We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu,” the group said in the video, delivered in Hausa and translated into English. “We are giving you 72 hours. If our demands are not met, we will move these victims… and you may never see them again.”
Although the terrorists did not explicitly state their demands in the latest video, earlier reports indicated that the group had requested a ransom of ₦5 billion for the release of the captives.
The Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), which has been acting as an intermediary in the crisis, confirmed receiving the ultimatum. Its President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, said the warning was communicated as part of ongoing mediation efforts.
According to BOSYA, the abducted victims are primarily women and children from Ngoshe, a community in southern Borno that has suffered repeated attacks by insurgents.
Kaigama called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other key stakeholders to urgently intervene to secure the victims’ release.
He also appealed to prominent Nigerians, including Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, to support efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
“In view of the urgency of this humanitarian matter, we call on all capable stakeholders to use every lawful and available means to secure the freedom of these 416 women and children,” Kaigama said.
The latest development follows an earlier attack on March 4, when insurgents reportedly overran a military base in Ngoshe, destroying operational vehicles, dispersing security personnel, and abducting civilians.
Security experts say the video underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in Nigeria’s North-East and highlights the complex challenges facing authorities in balancing rescue operations with the safety of hostages.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Federal Government or the Nigerian military regarding the ultimatum.
