Concerns have intensified over the safety of 416 persons 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 forceful rescue attempt by Nigerian security forces.
The video, obtained in the early hours of Monday, reportedly showed armed members of the group dressed in military camouflage addressing the Nigerian government and the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), which they referenced as part of earlier communication efforts linked to the abducted victims.
In the footage, the terrorists claimed responsibility for holding the 416 abducted persons, including women and children, and warned that failure to meet unspecified demands within the stated timeframe would lead to the victims being moved to undisclosed locations.
The group further stated that such relocation could make it impossible for the victims to be found again, heightening 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 it does not recognise the Federal Government and warning that any military rescue attempt would be met with resistance.
The terrorists insisted they are prepared for confrontation, stating that security forces are “free to try” any forceful operation, while expressing reliance on what they described as divine backing.
However, the group did not publicly outline specific demands in the video, despite earlier reports indicating ransom-related communications.
Earlier developments suggest that the Borno South Youths Alliance has been involved in mediation efforts. The group’s president, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed that Boko Haram had previously communicated through intermediaries, including a reported demand of ₦5 billion for the release of the abducted persons.
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 matter, 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 every lawful and available means to secure the freedom of these 416 women and children”, he said.
Security sources say the situation is being treated as a high-priority intelligence and counter-terrorism matter, with ongoing surveillance and operational coordination across military and intelligence formations in the North-East.
While authorities have not independently verified all claims made in the video, counter-insurgency operations in Borno State remain active, with officials maintaining that efforts to track and rescue abducted persons are ongoing.
The latest development comes amid continuing insecurity challenges in parts of Borno State, where armed groups have previously launched attacks on military and civilian targets, including a reported assault on a military base in Ngoshe earlier in March.
Security analysts warn that such videos are often used by insurgent groups as psychological warfare tools aimed at creating fear, influencing public perception, and exerting pressure on authorities during ongoing military operations.
Authorities have urged calm, assuring that security agencies are fully engaged in efforts to secure the safe return of all abducted persons and to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in affected communities.
