Boko Haram Sets 72-Hour Deadline, Threatens to Kill 416 Captives in Borno

A faction of Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, threatening to execute 416 captives—most of them women and children—if its demands are not met.

The group, formally known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, delivered the warning in a video circulating online. In the footage, a masked spokesperson states that the deadline began on April 19 and warns of mass killings if authorities fail to comply.

Speaking in Hausa, the spokesperson identified the group and its leader, Imam Abu Mu’min al-Muhajir, and said the message was directed at the Nigerian government and a regional group, the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA). He indicated that both sides had already communicated their demands and insisted there should be no changes or delays.

The group also warned against any military rescue operation, saying armed intervention would worsen the situation.

“If these demands are not met within seventy-two hours, we will begin to execute the women and small children,” the spokesperson said in the video.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the Nigerian government.

Reacting to the development, BOSYA President Sama’ila Ibrahim Kaigama appealed for urgent intervention from national and state authorities. He named Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, Babagana Umara Zulum, and Nuhu Ribadu as key officials who should act immediately.

Kaigama said efforts to reach government representatives had not yielded results, including outreach through Ali Ndume, who directed him to the National Security Adviser.

He described himself as a mediator who stepped in due to what he called a lack of government response, adding that he had taken personal risks to engage with those holding the captives.

Kaigama also called on prominent business figures, including Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu, to support efforts to secure the victims’ release.

The situation remains unresolved as the deadline approaches.