Boko Haram militants have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government over the fate of 416 abducted women and children in Borno State, warning that the victims could be moved to undisclosed locations if their demands are not met.
In a video circulating on early Monday, the group claimed responsibility for holding the captives and openly challenged authorities, saying any attempt to rescue them by force would be met with resistance.
The message, delivered in Hausa with English subtitles, was directed at both the government and a local mediation group involved in ongoing discussions.
The terrorists, seen in military-style clothing in the footage, insisted they were “battle-ready” and gave no details of their demands in the video itself.
However, earlier reports linked to the same group suggest they had previously demanded a ₦5 billion ransom for the release of the victims.
They warned that once the 72-hour deadline expires, the abductees would be relocated in a way that could make recovery impossible.
They also added that they “do not recognise” the Nigerian government and would only act on their own terms.
A mediation group, the Borno South Youths Alliance, confirmed that it has been involved in communication efforts with the group and said it had relayed the ransom demand.
Its president, Samaila Kaigama, appealed to the federal government and wealthy individuals to intervene urgently to secure the release of the captives, describing the situation as a humanitarian emergency.
The incident follows a reported attack in March on a military base in Ngoshe, where security personnel were killed, equipment destroyed, and several civilians abducted.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the latest ultimatum, but the situation adds further pressure to ongoing security challenges in the region, where mass kidnappings have remained a persistent threat.
