Boko Haram Gives Nigerian Government 72-Hour Ultimatum, Dares It to Attempt Rescue of 416 Abducted Victims
Boko Haram terrorists have released a new video daring the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue of the 416 women and children they abducted in Ngoshe, Borno State.
In the video obtained early Monday, the terrorists issued a 72-hour ultimatum, warning that if their demands are not met, the victims will be moved to different locations where they “may never be seen again.”
The group, dressed in military camouflage and identifying as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad under Imam Abu, said they “welcome” any attempt by the government to rescue the victims by force, claiming they are battle-ready.
The message, delivered in Hausa with English translation on screen, was addressed to both the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA) and the Nigerian government, which the terrorists said they do not recognise.
“Today, 19th April 2026, we are issuing a new message… 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,” the spokesperson said.
The terrorists added: “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.”
Notably, the group did not specify its demands in the video. However, BOSYA President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, confirmed that Boko Haram had earlier demanded ₦5 billion as ransom for the release of the 416 abducted women and children.
Kaigama described the latest video as a “final warning” issued after mediation efforts.
“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,” he stated.
He renewed an urgent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and prominent Northern businessmen including Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu to intervene and secure the release of the victims.
