Boko Haram Issues 72-Hour Deadline Over 416 Abducted Women and Children, Demands ₦5 Billion Ransom

Dread has once again descended on communities in northeastern Nigeria after Boko Haram issued a chilling 72-hour ultimatum, demanding ₦5 billion for the release of 416 women and children abducted from Ngoshe in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a video message that has since circulated widely online, the insurgents directed their warning at the Nigerian government and local stakeholders alike, making clear it would be their final word on the matter.

“We are sending a message to the Borno South Youth Alliance, the Nigerian government, not our government, and the first and last message.”

The group followed this up by spelling out a firm deadline:

“We are giving you a 72-hour ultimatum, and if you don’t meet our demands, we are instructing you with the fear of Allah not to add one more minute to the time frame.”

Boko Haram also laid out a disturbing consequence for the captives should their demands go unmet:

“But if you fail, we are going to share the women and children. I mean all of them. You will never see them again.”

Any prospect of a military rescue operation was also directly challenged by the group:

“If you try to use military force, you are welcome, and we depend on the power of Almighty Allah.”

The ultimatum has deepened anguish among families of those abducted — many of whom were seized during a raid on the Ngoshe community several weeks ago.

Related: Surrendered Boko Haram Members Protest And Riot Over Cow Meat In Camp

In response, the Borno South Youth Alliance has issued an urgent plea to the federal and state governments, as well as influential Nigerians, to step in before time runs out.

The alliance specifically appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babagana Zulum, and prominent philanthropists such as Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu.

“We respectfully call on all capable stakeholders to urgently intervene and use every lawful and available means to help secure the freedom of these 416 women and children.”

The alliance also shed light on the timeline of events, stating:

“We wish to inform the public and the international community that on 19th April 2026, Boko Haram reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum concerning ongoing mediation efforts for the release of the 416 Ngoshe women and children said to be in their captivity.”

With the clock already ticking, pressure is intensifying on both authorities and concerned individuals to act decisively and avert what could become a devastating outcome.