JUST IN: Boko Haram Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum Over 416 Captives

Terrorist group Boko Haram has reportedly released a video issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government over the fate of 416 abducted persons in Borno State.

In the video obtained on Monday morning, the group warned that if its demands are not met within the deadline, the victims comprising women and children will be moved to undisclosed locations where they may never be found again.

The terrorists also stated that they “welcome” any attempt by the government to rescue the captives by force, insisting they are fully prepared for confrontation if military action is taken.

Dressed in military camouflage, the group said it is acting under the banner of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad and addressed both the Nigerian government and a mediation group identified as the Borno South Youths Alliance.

According to the message, translated from Hausa, the group declared that it does not recognise the Nigerian state as its government and insisted that its ultimatum is final.

“We are giving you 72 hours. If our demands are not met, we will move these victims to different locations. You may never see them again,” the statement read in part.

However, the video did not clearly state its demands, although earlier reports suggested the group had requested a ₦5 billion ransom for the release of the captives.

The mediation effort is reportedly being coordinated through local intermediaries, including the Borno South Youths Alliance, which confirmed receiving communications from the group during ongoing negotiations.

The situation is linked to previous attacks in the region, including the March assault on Ngoshe, where insurgents reportedly killed residents, destroyed military equipment, and abducted civilians.

Security authorities are yet to issue an official response to the latest video as at the time of filing this report.