Tension has escalated on Monday after a video emerged on social media showing Boko Haram terrorists issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government to secure the rescue of about 416 kidnapped victims.
The development has sparked widespread panic, as citizens scramble to understand the scale of this new threat and the potential implications for national security.
In the video, the terrorists declared that if the government fails to secure the rescue of the 416 victims before the expiration of the 72-hour ultimatum, they will be taken to different locations where they may never be seen again.
It was gathered that the 416 victims were abducted in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Recall that on March 4, the terrorist group stormed a military base in Ngoshe where they burnt down operational vehicles, dispersed security forces, and killed an unknown number of victims before abducting several others.
Meanwhile, in the latest video, the terrorists, dressed in military camouflage, stated that they are battle-ready if the government chooses force instead of meeting their demands.
The message, delivered in Hausa and translated into English on screen, read: “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.”
However, 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.
He further stated, “Let this message reach the Borno South Youth Alliance and the Nigerian government. We do not act lightly. This is our message.”
Earlier, the group had demanded ₦5 billion on Sunday night for the release of the victims.
Confirming this, the President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said the demand was communicated through a video described by the terrorists as a “final warning.”
The statement read: “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.”
Samaila called on the government and concerned Nigerians to prioritise efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“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.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this adds to the numerous cases of insecurity in Nigeria in recent times.
Nigeria witnessed several cases of abductions last year. On Monday, November 17, 2025, terrorists attacked a girls’ boarding school, Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi state.
During the attack, 25 schoolgirls were initially abducted, with reports revealing that the school’s Vice Principal was killed.
Days after, terrorists again attacked St. Mary’s School, a Catholic co-educational institution in the Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area, of Niger State on Friday, November 21, 2025.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stated then that a total of 315 people were abducted; 303 students (both male and female, aged 10 to 18) and 12 teachers.
