• Boko Haram terrorists have issued a 72-hour ultimatum over 416 abducted women and children in Borno State
• The terrorists warned that the captives would be moved to unknown locations if their demands of N5 billion ransom for the victims’ release are not met
• The group challenged the Nigerian government to attempt a military rescue, insisting it is prepared for confrontation

Boko Haram terrorists have released a fresh video threatening the Nigerian government over the fate of 416 abducted women and children being held in Borno State.

In the video obtained by Saharareports, the insurgents warned that if their demands are not met within 72 hours, the captives would be moved to different locations, making it difficult for them to ever be found again.

The terrorists, dressed in military camouflage, also challenged the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue operation, insisting they were prepared for battle.

The latest threat comes weeks after reports emerged on April 10 that the Borno South Youths Alliance had been acting as an intermediary between the victims’ families and the terrorist group.

Speaking in Hausa with English subtitles, the group declared:

“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 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.”

The group, however, did not disclose the specific demands in the video.

It 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.”

The spokesperson further said:

“Let this message reach the Borno South Youth Alliance and the Nigerian government. We do not act lightly. This is our message.”

The latest development follows an earlier demand by the terrorists for a N5 billion ransom in exchange for the victims’ freedom.

Confirming the demand, President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said the ransom request was communicated through a video the insurgents described as their “final warning.”

According to a statement released by the group:

“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 N5 billion for the release of the abducted women and children.”

Kaigama appealed to the government and influential Nigerians to urgently intervene and prioritise the victims’ rescue.

He said, “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.”

The captives were reportedly abducted during a March 4 attack on a military base in Ngoshe, Borno State.

During the raid, insurgents allegedly destroyed operational vehicles, scattered security personnel, killed an unspecified number of people, and took several victims away.

Bandits kidnap six travellers on Shagba–Babanla road in Kwara

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that suspected armed bandits abducted six people along the Shagba–Babanla road under the Igbaja Division in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Residents said the attack occurred in the evening when armed men suddenly appeared along the route and forcefully took the travellers away to an unknown destination.

Witnesses reported that the gunmen operated for several minutes before fleeing the area with their captives.