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Boko Haram terrorists have released a video daring the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue of 416 abducted victims in Borno State, warning that if their demands are not met within 72 hours, the victims will be moved to different locations where they may never be seen again.
The group, dressed in military camouflage, stated that it “welcomes” any attempt by the government to rescue the victims by force and declared that it is battle-ready if the government chooses force instead of meeting their demands.
The message said, “We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu,” and it was spoken in Hausa with an English translation.
“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. We instruct you, in the name of Allah, not to exceed the given time.”
Boko Haram Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to Execute 416 Captives In Borno, Mostly Women And Children. Nigeria 🇳🇬 Government playing their cards of jihad. pic.twitter.com/xvYpAa14Uh
— Nnamdi_Kanu Akparawa (@BRGIEinfoMinist) April 20, 2026
The group did not state its demands 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.
Earlier, the group had demanded ₦5 billion on Sunday night for the release of the victims, according to the President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama.
Kaigama said the demand was communicated through a video described by the terrorists as a “final warning.”
“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,” a statement read.
Kaigama called on President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and philanthropists, including Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, to urgently intervene.
“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.
