Tension in Borno State spiked on Monday after Boko Haram terrorists released a chilling video. The group gave the Federal Government a 72-hour ultimatum to meet their demands or lose 416 captives forever.
The video, which surfaced in the early hours of Monday, shows the terrorists claiming they are battle-ready. Speaking in Hausa with English subtitles, the group’s spokesperson identified them as members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad under the command of one Imam Abu. He stated that the April 19, 2026, message served as their final warning before the victims, including women and children, are moved to unknown locations.
“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,” the group stated.
“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,” they 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 group’s spokesperson warned.
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The Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA) confirmed that a ₦5 billion ransom was demanded. BOSYA President, Samaila Kaigama, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to act before the deadline.
“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,” Kaigama said.
“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 added.
