Boko Haram militants have issued a 72-hour ultimatum over 416 abducted victims in Borno State, warning that the captives will be moved to undisclosed locations if their demands are not met.
The group also challenged the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue operation.
PUNCH Online reported that the terrorists released a video in the early hours of Monday in which they said they “welcome” any military attempt to rescue the victims and declared they were prepared for confrontation if force is used instead of negotiations.
In the video, the fighters, dressed in military camouflage, issued a message in Hausa with English subtitles, stating:
“We are 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.
“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.”
The group, however, did not disclose its demands in the latest 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,” while urging that the message be delivered to relevant parties.
The terrorists further said, “Let this message reach the Borno South Youth Alliance and the Nigerian government. We do not act lightly. This is our message.”
According to PUNCH Online, the group had earlier on Sunday night demanded five billion naira for the release of the captives.
The President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the demand, stating that it was communicated through a video described by the group as a final warning during ongoing mediation efforts.
He said, “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 appealed to the federal government and other stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and prominent philanthropists, to urgently intervene and secure the release of the victims.
