72-Hour Ultimatum Expires as Boko Haram Reportedly Threatens To Execute 416 Captives In Borno

A faction of Boko Haram, calling itself Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, has said its 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government has expired, raising fresh concerns for the safety of civilians abducted in Borno State.

The group said it was ready to start carrying out captives after talks broke down.

In a video message, a group spokesman said all talks with authorities were over.

The spokesperson insisted the group would act on its threats, saying: “The 72-hour deadline we gave you has already expired… now there is no discussion.”

The rebel group also rejected ransom talks, saying past figures were unofficial and insisting that money offers would not change its stance.

The group warned of any attempt to carry out military rescue operations, saying such moves could result in more civilian deaths.

It also mocked government efforts to handle the situation, while making threats to public figures.

The Borno South Youth Alliance, however, cautioned that the development could trigger violence against the captives, as the deadline for the ultimatum draws closer.

The group said in a statement it had exhausted all efforts to buy more time.

There is growing fear that we could start to see executions, the group said.

In past conflicts, the group said it has served as a humanitarian mediator, helping to postpone harm to victims.

“Our pleas and interventions have often been the only line between the execution of innocent women and children and their survival,” it said.

The group accused the authorities of failing to respond adequately despite repeated appeals to top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

It called for immediate intervention by the international community and humanitarian organisations to prevent loss of lives.

The situation has raised fears in affected communities as security agencies are yet to issue an official response as at the time of filing this report.