Boko Haram Makes Fresh Promise Over 416 Abducted Victims In Borno

A faction of Boko Haram, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, has reportedly agreed to release 50 women and children from a group of 416 abducted victims following negotiations.

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The agreement was said to have followed mediation efforts by the Borno South Youth Alliance.

However, the insurgents warned that the release process could be difficult because the captives had allegedly been dispersed to distant locations.

In a voice note obtained by SaharaReporters, a representative of the group, who spoke in Hausa, said gathering the victims for release would be difficult.

The representative said, “All of the women have been scattered; it will be hard to see two women in the same place.

“Before we can gather them is another work on its own. Since the ultimatum we gave them has elapsed, there is no talk again.

“Before we can gather them in one place is a work. I don’t have time to gather them right now. Some of the women were taken far away, close to 200 kilometres. How can I gather such people?”

BOSYA Confirms Talks

Speaking with SaharaReporters on Tuesday evening, BOSYA President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigam, confirmed that negotiations had produced a conditional agreement for the possible release of 50 victims.

Kaigam said, “We wish to inform Nigerians and Southern Borno indigenes that, through sustained, careful, and extensive discussions and mediation over the past weeks, JAS (Boko Haram) has agreed to a proposed arrangement for the possible release of 50 women and children.”

He commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts, saying the military had shown more commitment than many political officeholders.

“We sincerely commend the efforts of the Nigerian Army, who, from all indications, have shown persistence and commitment more than many political figures in working toward the freedom of these hostages,” he added.

Kaigam said the proposed arrangement would require families of the victims and well-wishers to contribute an unspecified amount of money towards securing the release.

He said, “Families of victims and well-wishers will contribute a certain amount of money (not specifically fixed). Once donations are gathered, the available amount will be presented. If the leadership is pleased with the effort, they will release the 50 hostages.”

He added that contributors would have their names documented alongside their relatives, who would be prioritised among those to be released.

“It was further stated that this arrangement was approved by their leadership (Imams) as a form of recognition of the efforts made by BOSYA, acknowledging that BOSYA has put in more effort than elected political figures representing the state, Southern Borno zone, constituencies, and local governments in pushing for the freedom of the victims,”

According to him, the arrangement represents a major reduction from the group’s earlier demand of ₦5 billion.

Remaining Captives Face Uncertainty

BOSYA said the insurgents warned that the fate of the remaining captives could remain uncertain after the release of the 50 women and children.

Kaigam said, “They stated that after the release of the 50 women and children, the fate of the remaining captives may not be certain, citing delays in negotiations and what they described as a lack of seriousness from the government in securing the release of the victims.”

He added that the group warned that some captives could remain in detention, while others may be harmed.

BOSYA appealed to Nigerians, Southern Borno indigenes and the international community to support efforts to secure the release of the victims.

“We therefore call on the general public of Nigeria, Southern Borno indigenes, and the international community to please contribute and support efforts toward securing the release of these 50 women and children, whom we hope to receive safely with full public accountability,” Kaigam said.

The group said the insurgents had earlier issued a five-day ultimatum before dispersing the captives to unknown destinations outside Nigeria.

The deadline has reportedly elapsed, further complicating rescue efforts and heightening fears for those still in captivity.

Naija News had earlier reported that the faction claimed a 72-hour ultimatum issued to the Nigerian government had expired and warned that negotiations had collapsed.

In a video, a spokesperson for the group, speaking in Hausa, identified the faction as operating under Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir.

He said, “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 spokesperson added, “We are sending this new message to the Nigerian government. First of all, we extend our apologies to our Imam. Imam Abu Umaima, we ask for your forgiveness, as well as from our leader here, Abu Sumayya. All of us remain under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima.”