Terrorists demand N5bn ransom, give FG 72-hour ultimatum over 416 abductees

Boko Haram insurgents have issued a fresh 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, warning against any forceful rescue attempt for 416 abducted women and children in Borno State.

In a video obtained on Monday, the terrorist group Boko Haram declared its readiness to confront security forces, daring authorities to attempt a military operation to free the captives.

The footage, reportedly recorded on April 19, 2026, showed armed fighters dressed in military-style camouflage addressing both the government and intermediaries involved in ongoing negotiations.

Speaking in Hausa with English subtitles, the group identified itself as “Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad” and issued what it described as a “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. You may never see them again,” a spokesperson said.

The group, however, did not explicitly state its demands in the video, though it warned that any attempt at a rescue mission would be resisted.

“If the government believes it can rescue them by force, you are free to try. We depend on Allah,” the spokesperson added, insisting the fighters were battle-ready.

Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), confirmed the authenticity of the video, describing it as a “final warning” amid ongoing mediation.

According to Kaigama, the terrorist group had earlier communicated its demands through negotiation channels, including a ransom of N5 billion for the release of the abducted victims, many of whom were reportedly taken during an attack on Ngoshe.

“On April 19, Boko Haram issued a 72-hour ultimatum regarding ongoing mediation efforts for the release of the 416 Ngoshe women and children in their custody,” Kaigama said in a statement.

He explained that BOSYA has been acting as an intermediary between the terrorist group and affected communities, facilitating communication in a bid to secure the victims’ release without further bloodshed.

Kaigama called for urgent intervention from key national figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, Vice President and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

He also appealed to prominent business leaders such as Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, urging them to support efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the captives.

“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.

The latest development follows an earlier attack on a military base in Ngoshe, Borno State, where insurgents reportedly overran security positions, destroyed operational vehicles, and abducted civilians.

Casualties were also recorded, though the exact number remains unclear.