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.
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.
They warned that failure to meet their demands would lead to the relocation of all captives to undisclosed locations.
The insurgents further threatened that the victims may never be seen again and challenged the government to attempt a rescue.
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.
He also called for urgent intervention from top government officials and influential Nigerians to secure the victims’ freedom.
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.
In a related move, the Federal Government also released a list of 48 individuals and entities allegedly linked to terrorism financing in the country.
