A faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has said a 72-hour ultimatum it issued to the Nigerian government has expired, threatening to execute 416 women and children held captive in Goshe, Borno State.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday, April 25, 2026, a spokesperson for the group speaking in Hausa said negotiations had collapsed.
“There is no more discussion,” the spokesperson said, adding that the group operates under Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir.
The group declared what it described as a “victory” and issued threats to Nigerian authorities while dismissing ransom discussions.
“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,” the spokesperson said. “By God, we do not say something without fulfilling it.”
The group referenced Senator Ali Ndume and mocked government claims of military intervention, warning that airstrikes would only harm civilians in Goshe.
“In the name of Allah, send your aircraft if you want; they will only end up killing your own people in Goshe,” the spokesperson said.
On ransom demands, the spokesperson said figures previously mentioned were not official: “We do not know whether our leaders will demand one hundred billion, or any amount they choose… So you will see whether your billions will mean anything to us.”
The group also threatened the captives directly, warning against escape attempts. “Since the 72-hour deadline has already passed, come and see whether you will find the women or not, both women and children.”
The spokesperson alleged that recent drone strikes in Goshe had killed civilians and warned residents against trusting government authorities.
Meanwhile, the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) raised an alarm over the threats, warning that executions of the abducted victims could begin.
In a statement by its President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, BOSYA said all pleas for more time had 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.”
Kaigama said BOSYA had repeatedly intervened as a humanitarian mediator and often served as the only barrier between the captives and execution.
“On multiple occasions, we pleaded for more time… simply to delay harm and save as many lives as possible until meaningful intervention could come,” he said.
The group accused federal and state authorities of failing to respond adequately despite repeated appeals to 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.
Kaigama disclosed that threats had intensified following public discussion of the crisis. He said he was contacted again on April 29, 2026, and warned that the process was “too slow,” raising fears the insurgents may resort to executions, possibly recorded on video.
“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 said its involvement has been purely humanitarian and called on international bodies and human rights groups to intervene urgently.
“If harm comes to any of these victims, the world should know that warnings were raised and appeals were made long before tragedy,” Kaigama said. “The women and children must not be forgotten. Their lives must remain a priority. Immediate action is needed now.”
