Boko Haram terrorists have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, demanding N5 billion for the release of 416 abducted women and children in Borno State.
The threat was made in a video released by the group on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in which the insurgents warned of dire consequences if their demands were not met.
The development follows an attack on March 4, when the group raided a military base in Ngoshe, burning operational vehicles, dispersing security personnel, killing several people, and abducting victims.
What they are saying
The group, which called themselves Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad, is the formal Arabic name for the militant Islamist group widely known as Boko Haram, declared that it was issuing a final warning to both the government and mediators, setting a strict 72-hour deadline.
- “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 said.
They warned that failure to meet their demands would lead to the relocation of all captives to undisclosed locations.
- “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.”
The insurgents further threatened that the victims may never be seen again and challenged the government to attempt a rescue.
- “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.
More insights
The President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, confirmed the development, noting that the ultimatum was tied to ongoing mediation efforts for the victims’ release.
According to him, the terrorists communicated their demands through a final warning video, including a ransom request of N5 billion.
- “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 N5 billion for the release of the abducted women and children.”
He also called for urgent intervention from top government officials and influential Nigerians to secure the victims’ freedom.
- “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.”
What you should know
Nigeria continues to face persistent terrorist attacks, particularly in the northern region, where insurgent groups have targeted communities, infrastructure, and security formations.
From school abductions to coordinated village raids, incidents have surged in recent months, with even military facilities coming under attack.
- The Nigerian Army recently confirmed that troops at the Operation Hadin Kai base in Benisheikh, Borno State, were attacked by terrorists.
- In January 2026, at least 25 civilians and 11 security personnel were killed in coordinated attacks across Borno.
- In March 2026, triple IED explosions in Maiduguri left 23 people dead and over 100 injured, underscoring the growing sophistication of insurgent operations.
In a related move, the Federal Government also released a list of 48 individuals and entities allegedly linked to terrorism financing in the country.
