Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, a Boko Haram sect, has given the Nigerian government a 72-hour ultimatum, threatening to execute 416 prisoners—mostly women and children—if its demands are not fulfilled.
A masked gang spokesperson issued the ultimatum and said that the countdown had started in a video that SaharaReporters was able to get.
“We come from Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad. Imam Abu Mu’min al-Muhajir is our leader. The spokesperson stated that it is April 19, 2026.
According to him, the message was intended for a number of parties, including the Nigerian government and an organization known as the Borno South Youth Alliance.
The rebels cautioned that no modifications would be approved because both sides had already traded demands.
“You have seventy-two (72) hours.” The spokesman stated, “Do not add or change anything beyond what we have told you if you do not fulfill what we have told you.”
He emphasized that noncompliance would have fatal repercussions.
“We will start to execute the women and small children… they will be shot if these demands are not met within seventy-two hours,” he said.
Additionally, the group advised authorities not to try a rescue effort.
The rebel cautioned, “It will only make matters worse if you try to recover them by force.”
“This is not a bluff… we are not people who make empty threats, we act on what we say,” he continued, reiterating the gravity of the warning.
The Federal Government has not yet formally responded to the ultimatum as of the time this news was filed.
The BOSYA Leader Appeals to Emotions
In response, Sama’ila Ibrahim Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, urged high-ranking government authorities to take immediate action.
He urged National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and President Bola Tinubu to step in.
We haven’t heard from the government yet. Kaigama bemoaned the lack of response from the federal government.
According to Kaigama, he had worked to involve the authorities and make the victims’ release possible.
“I am merely a mediator. Because I want to save these people’s lives, I went to places that many young people like me would never go,” he stated.
He also urged powerful people, such as corporate executives, to back initiatives aimed at securing the release of the prisoners.
