Boko Haram Threatens to Kill 416 Hostages in Borno Unless Demands Are Met Within 72 Hours

A faction of the insurgent group Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, commonly known as Boko Haram, has issued a stark 72-hour deadline to the Nigerian government.

The militants are threatening to execute 416 captives, primarily women and children, if their conditions are not fulfilled.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, a masked spokesperson stated that the group is operating under the leadership of Imam Abu Mu’min al-Muhajir.

The message explicitly targeted the Nigerian government and the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), warning that any attempt at a military rescue would result in dire consequences. The group insisted that their instructions must be followed exactly as stated without modification.

The spokesperson emphasized that the threat is not a bluff, declaring that if the 72-hour window closes without compliance, the captives will be executed. As of now, the Nigerian government has not issued an official statement regarding the situation.

Sama’ila Ibrahim Kaigama, the president of BOSYA, has launched an urgent plea for intervention from federal and state leaders.

Kaigama, who has been acting as a mediator, reported that he has reached out to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, but has yet to receive a response.

Expressing frustration over the government’s perceived inaction, Kaigama urged both political and business leaders, including Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu, to step in and facilitate the safe release of the 416 individuals.

He highlighted that his own efforts as a mediator have taken him into high-risk areas to seek the safety of those held captive.