A faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has declared that its 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria has expired, warning that it is prepared to begin the execution of 416 women and children held captive in Goshe, Borno State.
The group made the claim in a video circulated online, where a spokesperson spoke in Hausa and announced the collapse of all negotiations with the Nigerian government.
In the video, the spokesperson said, “We are Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal Jihad, under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir. We declare what we describe as a victory.
“We are sending this new message to the Nigerian government. First of all, we extend our apologies to our Imam. Imam Abu Umaima, we ask for your forgiveness, as well as from our leader here, Abu Sumayya. All of us remain under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima.”
The group insisted that it would no longer engage in any form of discussion with authorities.
“Nigerian government, you should know this: money does not blind us, and the 72-hour deadline we gave you has already expired. That negotiation has expired.
“By God, we do not say something without fulfilling it. Once we said that when the 72 hours expire, there would be no more discussion, now there is no discussion.”
The faction also referenced political figures while mocking government claims of military capability.
“We have heard Ali Ndume on social media claiming that Tinubu assisted him with aircraft.
“As for you, Ndume, you should know that Allah is above you. Allah is above all of you. Allah is greater than your power. Do you think Allah is not more powerful than you?”
It warned that any airstrike or drone operation would only affect civilians in Goshe.
“In the name of Allah, send your aircraft if you want; they will only end up killing your own people in Goshe. By God, at most, you will send your drones to kill the people of Goshe.
“Do not think you are clever, that you can send aircraft and scatter us. These are your lies.”
The group also dismissed ransom negotiations.
“You are talking about five billion and other amounts, this was only mentioned by me personally. It was not an official or clever figure. We do not know whether our leaders will demand one hundred billion, or any amount they choose.
“So you will see whether your billions will mean anything to us. Keep your money, and we will keep them (the captives), and then we will see.”
It further warned the captives against attempting escape.
“Do you think you are smart, that you will send aircraft dropping fire and the women will escape? Let them try.
“Since the 72-hour deadline has already passed, come and see whether you will find the women or not, both women and children.”
The faction alleged that recent military drone strikes had killed civilians.
“They have killed your people in the town of Goshe with a drone. They said they would send aircraft, and now they have done it, just to kill your people so that you will keep quiet,”
It also issued ideological warnings to residents of affected communities.
“This is the end result of following human beings blindly. Following human authority that is not guided by God leads to this. If it were truly for God that you were following them, by God, this would not have happened. You would have had dignity and honour. But since you did not follow God, this is the outcome of following humans. As for us, God has protected us and separated us. Where will they even find us? Where?
“God has protected and set us apart, and God is above them all. By God, He is even above the aircraft, if He wills, He can strike the aircraft and bring it down to the ground.”
Meanwhile, the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) expressed concern that the expiration of the ultimatum could trigger the killing of the abducted women and children.
The group’s president, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, said all appeals for additional time had now been exhausted.
He stated that the organisation had repeatedly acted as a humanitarian mediator to delay harm and protect the victims.
Kaigama also lamented what he described as insufficient response from both federal and state authorities despite repeated appeals.
He listed key political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Governor Babagana Zulum, as leaders who had been contacted.
He further warned that the situation had become increasingly fragile and could escalate into executions.
The group has now called on international organisations and humanitarian bodies to urgently intervene in the crisis.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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