Boko Haram terrorists have released a video daring the federal government to attempt a forceful rescue of 416 abducted victims in Borno state.
The terrorists, dressed in military camouflage, stated that they are battle-ready if the government chooses force instead of meeting their demands.
The terrorists also issued a 72 hours ultimatum to the federal government within which which their demands including the payment of N5 billion ransom must be met before releasing their victims.
The victims are said to be mostly women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza LGA of Borno state.
They said to have been kidnapped in March 2026 after fighters of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), a faction of Boko Haram, attacked the community.
The video was recorded in Hausa language and released on Sunday by the insurgents and published on the Facebook page of Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA).
A background voice described the message as a final warning to the Nigerian government and BOSYA, insisting that their demands must be met.
The background voice warned that the abducted women and children would be distributed to different locations and may never be seen again if the demands are not met within 72 hours.
BOSYA, said the insurgents are demanding N5 billion to release the abducted women and children.
In a statement on Monday, the group called on President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and other philanthropists, to assist in securing the release of the victims.
The statement reads: “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 concerning ongoing mediation efforts for the release of the 416 Ngoshe women and children said to be in their captivity.
“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.
“It was also stated that instructions regarding how the release process would be carried out were communicated.”
