The террорист group Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, threatening to relocate 416 abducted victims in Borno State if its demands are not met.

In a video obtained on Monday, the insurgents dared authorities to attempt a forceful rescue, declaring themselves battle-ready and warning that such action could further endanger the captives.

The group, whose official name is Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad, stated that the victims, comprising women and children, would be moved to undisclosed locations where they may never be seen again if the ultimatum expires.

“We are giving you 72 hours. If our demands are not met, we will move these victims… You may never see them again,” a spokesperson said in the video message delivered in Hausa and translated into English.

The террорист group also challenged the government to attempt a military rescue if it so wished, stating, “If the government believes it can rescue them by force, you are free to try.”

Although the group did not explicitly state its demands in the video, earlier reports indicated that it requested a ransom of ₦5 billion for the release of the victims.

The Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), which has been involved in mediation efforts, confirmed receiving the ultimatum. Its President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, described the message as a “final warning.”

According to him, the террорист group communicated its demands, including the ransom request, through a separate video.

Kaigama appealed to key stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, to urgently intervene.

He also called on prominent Nigerians, including Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, to support efforts aimed at securing the victims’ release.

“In view of the urgency of this humanitarian matter, we respectfully call on all capable stakeholders to urgently intervene and use every lawful means to secure the freedom of these 416 women and children,” he said.

The development follows an earlier attack on March 4 in Ngoshe, where the insurgents reportedly overran a military base, destroyed operational vehicles, and abducted several residents.