The terrorist group Boko Haram has released a video threatening to relocate 416 abducted victims in Borno State if its demands are not met within 72 hours, while daring the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue.
In the footage obtained on Monday, the group, dressed in military-style camouflage, warned that any rescue attempt by force would be resisted, declaring readiness for confrontation.
The message read: “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 did not disclose its demands in the video but had earlier reportedly requested a ₦5 billion ransom for the release of the victims, many of whom are said to be women and children abducted from Ngoshe.
“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 group’s spokesperson added.
Confirming the development, Samaila Kaigama, president of the Borno South Youths Alliance, said the ultimatum was communicated as part of ongoing mediation efforts.
The statement read: “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 called for urgent intervention from government and stakeholders, appealing to Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and prominent Nigerians to act swiftly.
“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.
“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 victims were reportedly abducted during an earlier attack on a military base in Ngoshe, intensifying concerns over insecurity in the region.
Watch video below:
Boko Haram Gives 72-Hour Deadline, Threatens Execution of 416 Captives in Borno State, Majority Women and Children.@SaharaReporters pic.twitter.com/InCGtUIN22
— NewsClick Nigeria Media (@NewsClickng) April 20, 2026
