A faction of Boko Haram terrorists has released a video daring the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue of 416 abducted victims in Borno State, warning that failure to meet their demands within 72 hours could result in the victims being relocated to unknown locations.
In the video obtained on Monday morning, the group—identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad—stated that it “welcomes” any military rescue attempt, claiming it is fully prepared for confrontation if force is used instead of negotiation.
Dressed in military camouflage, the armed men insisted they are “battle-ready” and issued what they described as a final warning to both the Nigerian government and mediating groups involved in ongoing discussions.
The message, delivered in Hausa and translated on-screen, gave a 72-hour ultimatum and warned that the abducted victims, including women and children, would be moved if demands were not met. However, the group did not clearly restate its demands in the video.
Earlier reports indicated that the group had demanded ₦5 billion for the release of the hostages. The demand was reportedly communicated through intermediaries involved in negotiations.
President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, confirmed receiving the terrorists’ message, describing it as a “final warning video” linked to ongoing mediation efforts for the release of the victims abducted from Ngoshe.
Kaigama urged urgent intervention from the federal government and prominent Nigerians, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, as well as private sector figures including Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, to help secure the release of the captives.
The incident traces back to March 4, when the group attacked a military base in Ngoshe, reportedly burning operational vehicles, killing an unspecified number of people, and abducting several others, including women and children.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official response to the latest video.
