Boko Haram Ultimatum Expires: 416 Women, Children at Risk in Borno

By: Abudu Olalekan

It’s a tense, frightening moment in Borno. And the clock has already run out.

A faction of Boko Haram, known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), says its 72-hour deadline to the Nigerian government is over. No extensions. No more talks. According to them, what comes next could be deadly — 416 women and children held in Goshe are now at risk.

In a video obtained by Reportersroom, a man speaking in Hausa didn’t mince words. His tone? Cold. Final.
“There is no more discussion,” he said. Just like that.

He claimed the group is under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir and described the situation as some kind of “victory.” Strange choice of word, considering what’s at stake.

Then came something unexpected — an apology. Not to victims. Not to families. But to their own leader.
They asked for forgiveness. Reaffirmed loyalty. Doubled down.

And then, the threats followed.

The spokesperson insisted the group is done waiting. Said money means nothing to them. That whatever negotiations were happening are now… finished. Completely.

“Once we say something, we do it,” he added. Short. Sharp. Unsettling.

He even mocked Nigerian officials. Mentioned Senator Ali Ndume. Dismissed claims about military intervention.
At one point, he laughed off the idea of airstrikes — warning they’d only end up killing civilians in Goshe.

That part hits hard. Because it’s not entirely impossible.

Then the ransom talk. Confusing, honestly.
He suggested earlier figures — billions — weren’t official. Almost like they were just thrown out there. Now? He says the real demand could be anything. Higher. Much higher. Or maybe not even about money at all.

“Keep your money,” he said. “We’ll keep them.”

A chilling line.

The captives weren’t spared either. He warned them directly. Told them not to even think about escape. Claimed any rescue attempt would fail. That they’d simply vanish.

At the same time, he accused the military of already carrying out drone strikes in the area — strikes he claims killed civilians. No independent confirmation, but the message was clear: fear.

And then, almost like a sermon, he turned to residents.
Blamed them. Said trusting authorities led them here. Said faith would have saved them.

It was less of a statement… more of a warning wrapped in ideology.

Meanwhile, back on the ground, anxiety is rising fast.

The Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) isn’t hiding its concern. In fact, they’re sounding the alarm loudly. Their president, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, says every extra hour they managed to secure is gone.

“We begged for time,” he said. “That time has passed.”

Simple words. Heavy meaning.

According to him, BOSYA has been quietly stepping in — not as negotiators with power, but as mediators trying to buy time. Delay the worst. Keep people alive. Sometimes, that was all standing between the captives and execution.

Not easy work. Not safe either.

“One wrong move,” he explained, “and lives could be lost.”

He didn’t hold back on the government either. Said multiple appeals were made — to top officials, both federal and state — but nothing meaningful came out of it.

Silence, basically.

And now, things feel even more fragile.

Kaigama revealed that threats from the insurgents have grown more intense, especially after the issue gained public attention. As recently as April 29, he says he was contacted again. This time, the message was impatient. Almost aggressive.

Things are moving “too slow,” they told him.

That’s not a good sign.

There’s also fear that if executions happen, they might be recorded. Shared. Used as a message. That possibility alone is enough to shake anyone.

Still, BOSYA insists their role has always been clear — humanitarian, nothing more. No politics. No hidden agenda. Just trying to keep people alive.

But now, they’re calling for help. Loudly.

International bodies. Human rights groups. Anyone who can step in — they’re being urged to pay attention before it’s too late.

Because if something happens… it won’t be without warning.

“The women and children must not be forgotten,” Kaigama said.

And right now, that feels like the simplest — and most urgent — truth.