Again, Boko Haram threatens to execute 416 captives

A faction of Boko Haram terrorists, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has declared that the 72-hour ultimatum it issued to the Nigerian government has expired, warning that it was prepared to begin the execution of 416 women and children held captive in Goshe, Borno State.

In a video seen yesterday, a group spokesperson, speaking in Hausa, announced that all negotiations had collapsed, 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.

The spokesperson stressed that the group’s patience had run out, stating that the “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.”

THIS came as the military confirmed recording some of the most decisive battlefield outcomes over the last three months, especially in April, with numerous insurgents neutralised, multiple enclaves destroyed, and a substantial number of abducted citizens reunited with their families across the seven operational theatres nationwide.

Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this while giving troops’ achievements in April 2026 alone, saying 201 terrorists were neutralised, 284 arrested, including their key ring leaders, logisticians, and collaborators, who had hitherto operated with impunity, while 188 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Giving the breakdown, Onoja said 136 fighters were killed in the North East, 114 arrested and 18 rescued, while nine insurgents and their families surrendered.

He said in the North-West, 20 terrorists were neutralised, 32 arrested, 70 rescued, and one surrendered.

According to Onoja, a total of 53 terrorists were killed, 105 arrested, and 98 kidnapped victims rescued across the three theatres of operations in the North-Central in April.

He said three IPOB/ESN fighters were killed during the period in the South East, 16 arrested, troops rescued two kidnapped victims, adding that in the South South, 17 economic saboteurs and criminal elements were arrested.

Onoja disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has directed all Theatre Commanders to fully integrate Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities into operational activities, ensuring professionalism and facilitating the resettlement of displaced communities in order to reinforce public confidence in military operations.

He said the armed forces recognise that lasting peace cannot be achieved through kinetic operations alone, and have therefore sustained robust Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities across their theatres of operations. (Guardian)