Boko Haram terrorists have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government over 416 abducted Victims, women and children in Borno State, warning against any attempt to rescue the victims by force.
The threat was contained in a video obtained on Monday, in which the insurgents dared government forces to launch a rescue operation, declaring that they were battle-ready.
In the video message delivered in Hausa and translated into English, the terrorists warned that failure to meet their demands within the stipulated period would result in the relocation of the victims to undisclosed locations.
They stated that once moved, the captives might never be seen again.
“This is our first and final message. We are giving you 72 hours. If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations,” the group’s spokesperson said.
The insurgents, dressed in military camouflage, also challenged the government to attempt a forceful rescue if it believed such an operation was possible.
Earlier reports indicated that the group had demanded a ransom of ₦5 billion for the release of the victims.
Confirming the development, President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said the ransom demand and ultimatum were communicated through a video described by the insurgents as a “final warning.”
Kaigama noted that the alliance had been involved in mediation efforts and appealed to the Federal Government and other stakeholders to prioritise the safe release of the captives.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene using lawful means to secure the victims’ freedom.
According to him, the abducted victims are mainly women and children from Ngoshe community in Borno State.
The abduction followed an earlier attack on March 4, when the insurgents reportedly overran a military base in Ngoshe, destroyed operational vehicles, dispersed security personnel, and abducted several residents.
Security authorities are yet to issue an official response to the latest ultimatum as of the time of filing this report.
