Boko Haram insurgents have issued a fresh 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government and mediators, threatening to relocate 416 abducted women and children in Borno State if their demands are not met.
The террорист group, in a video obtained on Monday, warned that any attempt to rescue the captives by force would be fiercely resisted, declaring its fighters “battle-ready” for confrontation.
In the footage, the insurgents—dressed in military camouflage—taunted the government, insisting that it was prepared for a military offensive while reiterating that time was running out for negotiations.
“This is our first and final message. We are giving you 72 hours,” a masked spokesperson said in Hausa, with English subtitles. “If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations. You may never see them again.”
The group, which identified itself as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, also dismissed the Nigerian government’s authority and dared security forces to attempt a rescue operation.
“If the government believes it can rescue them by force, you are free to try,” the spokesperson added.
Although the insurgents did not disclose their demands in the latest video, sources involved in ongoing mediation confirmed that the group had earlier demanded a ransom of ₦5bn for the release of the victims.
The President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, who has been acting as an intermediary, confirmed receipt of the ultimatum and described it as a “final warning.”
According to him, the video was sent on Sunday, April 19, as part of ongoing communication between the террорист group and negotiators.
“Borno South Youth Alliance wishes to inform the public and the international community that Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum regarding mediation efforts for the release of the 416 Ngoshe women and children,” Kaigama said.
He appealed to the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene and prioritise the safe return of the captives.
“In view of the urgency of this humanitarian crisis, we call on President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Zulum, and other stakeholders, including philanthropists, to use every lawful means to secure their freedom,” he added.
The latest threat has heightened fears over the fate of the victims, many of whom were abducted during a террорист attack on Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
During the March 4 assault, insurgents reportedly overran a military base, destroyed operational vehicles, killed an unspecified number of people, and abducted dozens of residents, including women and children.
Security analysts say the ultimatum underscores the growing boldness of insurgents in the North-East, despite ongoing military operations in the region.
As the deadline looms, pressure is mounting on the Federal Government to strike a delicate balance between negotiation and military action to prevent further harm to the captives.
FOLLOW US
FOR MORE HERE
