Boko Haram gives 72-hour ultimatum, threatens fate of 416 hostages

The extremist group Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian authorities concerning hundreds of people it claims are in its custody.

According to reports, the captives said to have been abducted in Borno State are being held as the group pushes for a response to its demands, which were not clearly outlined.

In a video circulating online, a masked spokesperson delivering a message in Hausa warned that failure to act within the deadline could result in severe consequences for those detained.

The group stated it is holding as many as 416 individuals, including women and children, and urged swift action before the timeframe expires.

The speaker, identifying the group as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, addressed both the Nigerian government and a regional youth body, describing the message as a final warning.

He cautioned that if their conditions are not met within the stipulated period, the captives could be dispersed to multiple locations, signaling a potential escalation.

Authorities have yet to officially respond to the claims, while concerns grow over the safety of those reportedly in captivity.