A faction of Boko Haram, known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, has announced the expiration of its 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, heightening fears over the fate of 416 abducted persons in Borno State.
The group said it is now prepared to proceed with the execution of captives, claiming that all negotiations with authorities have broken down completely.
In a video message, a spokesperson for the insurgent group declared that dialogue had ended.
“The 72-hour deadline we gave you has already expired… there is now no discussion,” the spokesperson said, adding that the group would act on its earlier threats.
The faction also rejected any form of ransom negotiation, insisting that previous monetary figures circulating were unofficial and would not change its position. It further warned against any military rescue attempt, claiming such operations could endanger the lives of the hostages.
The group also made remarks dismissing government response efforts and issued threats directed at unnamed public figures.
Meanwhile, the Borno South Youth Alliance has expressed alarm over the development, warning that the expiry of the ultimatum could lead to the killing of captives if urgent action is not taken.
In a statement, the group said it had exhausted all efforts to secure an extension of the deadline.
“There is growing fear that we may begin to witness executions,” it said.
The alliance added that it had previously acted as a humanitarian intermediary in similar situations, helping to delay harm to victims.
“Our pleas and interventions have often been the only line standing between the execution of innocent women and children and their continued survival,” the group said.
It further criticised authorities for not responding adequately despite repeated appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The group called on international organisations and humanitarian agencies to urgently intervene to prevent further loss of lives.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued an official statement on the development.
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