Boko Haram Threatens to Relocate 416 Captives, Dares Military Rescue

Boko Haram Threatens to Relocate 416 Captives, Dares Military Rescue

Terrorist group Boko Haram has released a new video threatening the Nigerian government over 416 abducted victims in Borno State, warning that failure to meet its demands within 72 hours could result in the captives being moved to undisclosed locations where they “may never be seen again.”

The video, obtained in the early hours of Monday, shows armed insurgents dressed in military camouflage, declaring their readiness for confrontation and openly daring the government to attempt a forceful rescue. The group stated that it “welcomes” any such operation, insisting it is fully prepared for battle.

In the footage, the message—delivered in Hausa and translated into English—identified the group as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, a faction linked to Boko Haram. The spokesperson issued what he described as a “first and final message,” giving authorities and intermediaries a strict deadline.

“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,” the spokesman said, while warning that the captives might never be seen again if the deadline expires.

The insurgents also reiterated their rejection of the Nigerian state, stating they do not recognise the authority of the government, and cautioned against exceeding the deadline “in the name of Allah.” Despite the strong threats, the group did not explicitly restate its demands in the latest video.

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However, earlier reports indicated that the terrorists had demanded a ransom of ₦5 billion for the release of the abducted victims, most of whom are women and children from Ngoshe and surrounding communities in Borno State.

The victims were reportedly abducted following a series of coordinated attacks in the region, including a major assault on a military base in Ngoshe on March 4. During that attack, insurgents were said to have overrun the base, destroyed operational vehicles, dispersed security personnel, and abducted civilians.

The Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), which has been involved in mediation efforts, confirmed receiving the ultimatum and ransom demand through a video described by the insurgents as a “final warning.”

According to BOSYA President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, the group has been acting as an intermediary between the terrorists and the affected families, maintaining communication channels in a bid to secure the victims’ release.

In a statement, Kaigama said, “Borno South Youth Alliance wishes to inform the public and the international community that on April 19, 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.”

He added that the ransom demand of ₦5 billion was communicated as part of the negotiation process and described the situation as a critical humanitarian emergency.

Kaigama appealed to top government officials and influential Nigerians to urgently intervene, calling on Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, and Babagana Umara Zulum, as well as business leaders like Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, to support efforts to secure the release of the captives.

“In view of the urgency of this humanitarian matter, 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.

Security analysts note that such ultimatums are a common tactic used by insurgent groups to increase pressure on authorities, complicate rescue operations, and force negotiations, often involving ransom payments or prisoner exchanges.

The latest development has heightened tension across Nigeria’s North-East, where Boko Haram and its rival faction, ISWAP, have continued to carry out attacks, abductions, and ambushes despite years of military operations.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Federal Government or the Nigerian military regarding the ultimatum. However, sources suggest that intelligence and security agencies may be working behind the scenes to assess options, including rescue operations and negotiation strategies.

The situation underscores the persistent security challenges in the region and raises renewed concerns about the safety of vulnerable communities, particularly women and children, in conflict-affected areas.

Boko Haram Threatens to Relocate 416 Captives, Dares Military Rescue