Boko Haram has released a video warning the Nigerian government against attempting a forceful rescue of 416 abducted victims in Borno State, threatening to relocate them if its demands are not met within 72 hours.
In the footage obtained on Monday, the group said it would not hesitate to move the victims to undisclosed locations if negotiations fail, warning that they may never be found again.
The terrorists, seen dressed in military camouflage, also claimed they are prepared for confrontation if security forces attempt a rescue operation.
“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 said in a message displayed in Hausa and translated on screen.
The group, however, did not publicly state its full demands in the video but warned against any military intervention.
“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,” a spokesperson added.
In earlier reports, the group was said to have demanded ₦5 billion for the release of the abductees.
The Borno South Youths Alliance confirmed that it had been in contact with the group during mediation efforts.
According to its president, Samaila Kaigama, the terrorists issued what they described as a “final warning” after communicating their ransom demand.
“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 ₦5 billion for the release of the abducted women and children,” the statement read.
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Kaigama called on authorities and wealthy Nigerians to intervene urgently.
“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.
The incident follows an earlier attack on a military base in Ngoshe, where insurgents reportedly killed people, destroyed vehicles, and abducted several residents.