Boko Haram insurgents have produced a video daring the Nigerian government to undertake a violent rescue of 416 abducted people in Borno State.
This is because the victims have been warned that if their demands are not granted within 72 hours, they will be moved to various locations and may never be seen again.
Our correspondent, who received the tape in the early hours of Monday, claims that the group stated that it “welcomes” any attempt by the government to rescue the victims through force.
The terrorists, dressed in military camouflage, declared that they are prepared to fight if the government chooses to use force rather than satisfy their demands.
Previous reports from April 10 claimed that BOSYA has communicated with the press and acts as a liaison between the terrorist group and the impacted victims. This was when Boko Haram exhibited the abducted people.
The statement, delivered in Hausa and translated into English on television, stated, “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 recognize 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.”
However, the group did not make any requests in the video.
“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.
He further stated, “Let this message reach the Borno South Youth Alliance and the Nigerian government. We do not act lightly. This is our message.”
The group requested ₦5 billion on Sunday night for the victims’ release.
Confirming this, Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, stated that the demand was transmitted via a video labeled by terrorists as a “final warning.”
The statement read: “The 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.”
Samaila urged the government and concerned Nigerians to prioritize efforts to ensure the victims’ release.
“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 group stormed a military base in Ngoshe, destroying operating vehicles, scattering security forces, killing an indeterminate number of persons, and kidnapping several others.
