A faction of Boko Haram, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, threatening to kill hundreds of captives if its demands are not met.
In a video reportedly obtained by SaharaReporters, a masked spokesperson for the group announced that the countdown had begun, stating that the hostages—numbering 416 and consisting mostly of women and children—would be executed if authorities fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe.
“We are a group of people from Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad… Our leader is Imam Abu Mu’min al-Muhajir. Today is the 19th of April, 2026,” the spokesperson said in the footage.
According to him, the message was directed at multiple parties, including the Nigerian government and the Borno South Youth Alliance, adding that prior communication had already taken place and that the group would not tolerate any alterations to its demands.
“We are giving you seventy-two (72) hours. If you do not fulfil what we have told you… do not add or change anything beyond what we have told you,” he warned.
The insurgent emphasized the consequences of non-compliance, declaring, “If these demands are not met within seventy-two hours, we will begin to execute the women and small children… they will be shot.”
He also cautioned against any military intervention, suggesting that a rescue attempt could escalate the situation further. “If you attempt to recover them by force… it will only make matters worse,” he said, adding, “This is not a bluff… we are not people who make empty threats, we act on what we say.”
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official reaction from the Federal Government to the ultimatum.
Meanwhile, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Sama’ila Ibrahim Kaigama, has urged top government officials to act swiftly to prevent a potential tragedy. He appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to intervene.
“The government has not contacted us yet… Federal government has not said a thing yet,” Kaigama said.
Describing his involvement as a humanitarian effort, Kaigama noted that he had taken personal risks to engage with those holding the captives in a bid to secure their release.
“I am only a mediator… I went to places a lot of youths like me will never go to because I want to save the lives of these individuals,” he added.
He further called on influential individuals, including business leaders, to support ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe release of the victims.
