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Concerns have intensified over the safety of 416 people allegedly abducted in Borno State, following a video released by Boko Haram terrorists in which the group issued a 72-hour ultimatum and warned against any forced rescue attempt by Nigerian security forces.
The video, obtained in the early hours of Monday, showed armed members of the group dressed in military camouflage as they addressed the Nigerian government and the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), which they referred to as part of previous communications efforts linked to the kidnapped victims.
In the footage, the terrorists claimed responsibility for the detention of 416 abducted people, including women and children, and warned that failure to comply with unspecified demands within the stipulated timeframe would lead to the victims being moved to unknown locations.
The group also said that such a move could make it impossible to find the victims, raising fears among families and stakeholders monitoring the situation.
The message, delivered in Hausa and translated on screen, also contained a direct challenge to Nigerian authorities, with the group declaring that it does not recognize the federal government and warning that any military rescue attempt would meet resistance.
The terrorists insisted they were prepared for confrontation, saying security forces were “free to attempt” any forceful operation, while expressing confidence in what they described as divine support.
However, the group did not publicly outline specific demands in the video, despite previous reports indicating ransom-related communications.
Early developments suggest that the Borno South Youths Alliance has been involved in the mediation efforts. The group’s chairwoman, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed that Boko Haram had previously communicated through intermediaries, including a demand for ₦5 billion for the release of abducted people.
Kaigama appealed for urgent intervention from the federal government, security agencies and private philanthropists, urging coordinated action to secure the release of the victims.
“In view of the urgency of this humanitarian issue, BOSYA renews its appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, concerned Nigerians and philanthropists… to urgently intervene and use all legal and available means to secure the freedom of these 416 women and children,” it said.
Security sources say the situation is being treated as a high-priority intelligence and counter-terrorism matter, with ongoing surveillance and operational coordination between military and intelligence formations in the north-east.
While authorities have not independently verified all of the claims in the video, counterinsurgency operations in Borno State remain active, with officials saying efforts to track and rescue the abducted people are ongoing.
The latest development comes amid ongoing insecurity challenges in parts of Borno State, where armed groups have already launched attacks against military and civilian targets, including a reported assault on a military base in Ngoshe in early March.
Security analysts warn that such videos are often used by rebel groups as tools of psychological warfare aimed at creating fear, influencing public perception and exerting pressure on authorities during ongoing military operations.
The authorities called for calm, assuring that security agencies are fully engaged in efforts to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons and to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the affected communities.
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