Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government and Borno South Youths Alliance over 416 abducted victims in Borno State, demanding ₦5 billion ransom or they will be moved to unknown locations
Boko Haram terrorists have released a video issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government and the Borno South Youths Alliance over the release of 416 abducted women and children in Borno State.
Also read: JUST IN: Armed herders kill five in Benue
In the video obtained early on Monday, April 20, 2026, the terrorists, dressed in military camouflage, dared the government to attempt a forceful rescue of the victims.
They warned that if their demands are not met within 72 hours, the captives would be moved to different locations where they may never be seen again.
The group’s spokesperson, speaking in Hausa with English translation on screen, said: “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.”
The terrorists did not state their specific demands in the video, but earlier reports indicated they had demanded ₦5 billion ransom for the release of the victims.
The President of the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, confirmed the ultimatum and the ransom demand. He described the video as a “final warning” sent after mediation efforts.
Kaigama 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 freedom of the 416 women and children.
The abduction occurred on March 4, 2026, when Boko Haram attacked a military base in Ngoshe, Borno State, burning operational vehicles, killing an unspecified number of people, and abducting several others.
Also read: JUST IN: Armed herders kill five in Benue
The development has sparked fresh concern over the safety of the hostages as the 72-hour deadline ticks.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
