Fresh anxiety has gripped communities in Borno State after a disturbing video released by Boko Haram militants threatened the lives of hundreds of abducted victims.
The footage, which emerged early Monday, features armed insurgents declaring their readiness for confrontation while issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The group warned that failure to meet their demands would result in the permanent disappearance of 416 captives, including women and children.
Speaking in Hausa with English subtitles, a spokesperson identified the faction as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, operating under the leadership of Imam Abu. He described the April 19, 2026 message as their “first and final” communication before relocating the victims to undisclosed locations.
“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 stated.
“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,” they added.
“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 warned.
The Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA) confirmed that the insurgents are demanding a ransom of ₦5 billion for the release of the captives.
Reacting to the development, BOSYA President, Samaila Kaigama, called for urgent intervention by key government officials and influential 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,” Kaigama said.
“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 added.