The Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram has announced the expiration of its 72-hour ultimatum, threatening the imminent execution of 416 women and children held captive in Borno State.
VIDEO: Boko Haram Faction Declares 72-Hour Ultimatum Expired, Threatens To Execute 416 Women, Children Captives In Borno pic.twitter.com/afWbr7qkeJ
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) April 30, 2026
A faction of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has declared that its 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government has officially expired, signaling a dire threat to the lives of 416 women and children. In a chilling video released on Saturday, April 25, 2026, the group announced that it is now prepared to begin the execution of the captives currently held in Goshe, Borno State. Speaking in Hausa, a spokesperson for the insurgents asserted that all diplomatic windows have closed and warned that the group would no longer engage in ransom discussions or negotiations with federal authorities.
The group, which identified itself as operating under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir, used the footage to display a position of strength, mocking the Nigerian government’s counter-insurgency efforts and dismissing previous attempts at mediation. The spokesperson characterized the expiration of the deadline as a strategic “victory” for the insurgents, stating: “We are Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal Jihad, under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir. Today, Saturday, the 25th of April, 2026, we declare what we describe as a victory.” The terrorist further insisted that “there is no more discussion,” suggesting a finality to the fate of the hundreds of vulnerable citizens in their custody.
The 416 hostages, who were largely abducted from the Ngoshe community and surrounding areas, have been at the center of a high-stakes standoff since the ultimatum was first issued earlier in the week. Despite pleas from local advocacy groups and the Borno South Youth Alliance for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian military, no official rescue operation or successful negotiation has been confirmed. As the deadline passes, international and domestic observers have expressed grave concerns that the lack of a breakthrough may lead to one of the deadliest mass executions in the history of the insurgency in Northeast Nigeria.
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