By EDITOR
A faction of Boko Haram terrorists, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has stated that the 72-hour ultimatum it issued to the Nigerian government has expired, warning that it is now prepared to begin the execution of 416 women and children held captive in Goshe, Borno State.
In a video, a spokesperson for the group, speaking in Hausa, announced that all negotiations had collapsed, and insisting that “there is no more discussion.”
The terrorist, who identified the group as operating under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir, issued a series of threats directed at the Nigerian authorities, while also mocking government efforts and dismissing ransom discussions.
According to the spokesperson, “We are Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal Jihad, under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir. Today, Saturday, the 25th of April, 2026, we declare what we describe as a victory.”
“We are sending this new message to the Nigerian government. First of all, we extend our apologies to our Imam. Imam Abu Umaima, we ask for your forgiveness, as well as from our leader here, Abu Sumayya. All of us remain under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima.”
The spokesperson stressed that the group’s patience had run out.
“Nigerian government, you should know this: money does not blind us, and the 72-hour deadline we gave you has already expired. That negotiation has expired,” he said.
“By God, we do not say something without fulfilling it. Once we said that when the 72 hours expire, there would be no more discussion, now there is no discussion.”
The insurgent group also took aim at Nigerian political figures, specifically referencing Senator Ali Ndume, while ridiculing claims of government military intervention.
“We have heard Ali Ndume on social media claiming that Tinubu assisted him with aircraft,” the spokesperson said.
“As for you, Ndume, you should know that Allah is above you. Allah is above all of you. Allah is greater than your power. Do you think Allah is not more powerful than you?”
Mocking the possibility of airstrikes, the terrorist warned that any such operation would only result in civilian casualties.
“In the name of Allah, send your aircraft if you want; they will only end up killing your own people in Goshe. By God, at most, you will send your drones to kill the people of Goshe,” he said.
“Do not think you are clever, that you can send aircraft and scatter us. These are your lies.”
He further dismissed ransom negotiations, revealing that earlier figures mentioned were not official.
“You are talking about five billion and other amounts, this was only mentioned by me personally. It was not an official or clever figure. We do not know whether our leaders will demand one hundred billion, or any amount they choose,” he stated.
“So you will see whether your billions will mean anything to us. Keep your money, and we will keep them (the captives), and then we will see.”
Meanwhile, the terrorist threatened the captives directly, warning against any attempt to escape.
“Do you think you are smart, that you will send aircraft dropping fire and the women will escape? Let them try,” he said.
“Since the 72-hour deadline has already passed, come and see whether you will find the women or not, both women and children.”
The group also alleged that recent drone strikes in Goshe had killed civilians, using the claim to incite fear among residents.
“They have killed your people in the town of Goshe with a drone. They said they would send aircraft, and now they have done it, just to kill your people so that you will keep quiet,” he claimed.
Turning to the residents of the affected communities, the insurgent warned against trusting government authorities.
“This is the end result of following human beings blindly… If it were truly for God that you were following them, this would not have happened,” he said.
“Following human authority that is not guided by God leads to this. If it were truly for God that you were following them, by God, this would not have happened. You would have had dignity and honour. But since you did not follow God, this is the outcome of following humans. As for us, God has protected us and separated us. Where will they even find us? Where?”
“God has protected and set us apart, and God is above them all. By God, He is even above the aircraft, if He wills, He can strike the aircraft and bring it down to the ground,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) has raised an alarm over the threats, warning that the expiration of the deadline could trigger the killing of the abducted victims.
In a statement issued by its President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, the group said all pleas for more time had now been exhausted.
“We wish to announce to Nigerians and the international community that the ultimatum and extra time we begged and pleaded for regarding the kidnapped women and children has now passed,” Kaigama said.
“As a result, there is growing fear that we may begin to witness executions of some of the kidnapped women and children.”
He revealed that BOSYA had repeatedly intervened as a humanitarian mediator, often serving as the only barrier between the captives and execution.
“Nigerians should know that the words, pleas, and humanitarian interventions of BOSYA have often been the only line standing between the execution of innocent women and children and their continued survival,” he said.
“On multiple occasions, we pleaded for more time… simply to delay harm and save as many lives as possible until meaningful intervention could come.”
Kaigama stressed that the process had been extremely delicate and dangerous.
“This process has never been easy and is not for the faint-hearted, because one wrong move can affect the lives, safety, and freedom of many victims,” he added.
The group accused both federal and state authorities of failing to respond adequately despite repeated appeals.
“We have repeatedly called upon the government at both federal and state levels, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, his deputy Kadafur, Senator Ali Ndume, and House of Representatives member Ahmed Jaha, yet there has been no adequate response.”
Kaigama further disclosed that threats had intensified following public discussions of the crisis.
“We were previously contacted in anger, with threats against dozens of women, during a period of heightened public discussion on the matter,” he said.
He added that as recently as April 29, 2026, he was contacted again and warned that the process was “too slow,” raising fears that the insurgents may resort to executions, possibly recorded on video to send a message.
“We have tried to prevent executions through continued pleading and persuasion, but there is serious concern that these threats may now escalate into harmful actions,” he said.
BOSYA reiterated that its involvement has been purely humanitarian.
“We stepped in only as mediators to ensure that none of the victims are harmed, abused, or permanently denied freedom,” Kaigama stated.
“Our efforts have always been for the people of Southern Borno… not for politics or personal interest.”
The group has now issued an urgent appeal to the international community.
“We call on international bodies, humanitarian organizations, and all defenders of human rights worldwide to take urgent notice of this crisis,” he said.
“If harm comes to any of these victims, the world should know that warnings were raised and appeals were made long before tragedy.
“The women and children must not be forgotten. Their lives must remain a priority. Immediate action is needed now.”
…Source: SaharaReporters