Boko Haram’s 72-Hour Ultimatum in Borno, Threatens To Kill 416 Captives (VIDEO)

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – A faction of Boko Haram has given the Federal Government a 72-hour ultimatum over 416 captives held in Borno State, most of them women and children.

The terrorists, from the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad group, released a video warning that failure to meet their demands would lead to execution or relocation of the hostages to unknown places. They specifically dared security forces against any rescue operation, saying it would only worsen the situation for the victims.

NaijaChoice News confirms the video, which surfaced online on April 19, shows the large group of captives and a masked spokesperson delivering the message directly to the government and mediators.

The hostages were seized on March 4 during an attack on a military base in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area. Insurgents overran the outpost, torched vehicles, killed several people and carted away the civilians.

The group is demanding N5 billion in ransom for their release, describing the ultimatum as their “first and final” warning.

Borno South Youth Alliance, which has been involved in mediation efforts, has raised the alarm and called on the government, philanthropists and stakeholders to act fast. In a statement signed by its president, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, the group said the lives of the Ngoshe women and children hang in the balance.

As the deadline ticks, families in Gwoza and surrounding communities remain in panic, with many too afraid to speak publicly. No official comment has come from the Nigerian military or the presidency so far.

The development adds fresh pressure on security agencies already stretched thin in the Northeast, where Boko Haram factions continue to exploit rural weaknesses despite years of military campaigns.

WATCH: Boko Haram Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum, Threatens To Execute 416 Captives In Borno, Mostly Women And Children pic.twitter.com/O8QwNYOFld

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) April 20, 2026