A faction of Boko Haram, known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has claimed that its 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government has elapsed, declaring that it is ready to begin executing 416 women and children allegedly held in captivity in Goshe, Borno State.
The message was delivered through a video circulating online, where a spokesperson speaking in Hausa announced that all forms of engagement with the government had broken down.
“We are Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal Jihad, under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir. We declare what we describe as a victory.
“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.”
The group stated clearly that it would no longer entertain negotiations.
“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.
“By God, we do not say something without fulfilling it. Once we said that when the 72 hours expire, there would be no more discussion, now there is no discussion.”
In the video, the faction also referenced political figures, taking aim at claims about military strength.
“We have heard Ali Ndume on social media claiming that Bola Tinubu assisted him with aircraft.
“As for you, Ndume, you should know that Allah is above you. Allah is above all of you. Allah is greater than your power. Do you think Allah is not more powerful than you?”
It warned that any aerial assault would harm civilians in Goshe rather than its fighters.
“In the name of Allah, send your aircraft if you want; they will only end up killing your own people in Goshe. By God, at most, you will send your drones to kill the people of Goshe.
“Do not think you are clever, that you can send aircraft and scatter us. These are your lies.”
The group also dismissed discussions around ransom.
“You are talking about five billion and other amounts, this was only mentioned by me personally. It was not an official or clever figure. We do not know whether our leaders will demand one hundred billion, or any amount they choose.
“So you will see whether your billions will mean anything to us. Keep your money, and we will keep them (the captives), and then we will see.”
Captives were also warned against attempting escape.
“Do you think you are smart, that you will send aircraft dropping fire and the women will escape? Let them try.
“Since the 72-hour deadline has already passed, come and see whether you will find the women or not, both women and children.”
The faction further alleged that recent drone strikes had resulted in civilian casualties.
“They have killed your people in the town of Goshe with a drone. They said they would send aircraft, and now they have done it, just to kill your people so that you will keep quiet,”
It ended with a broader ideological message to residents in affected areas, warning against loyalty to human authority over divine guidance.
“This is the end result of following human beings blindly. Following human authority that is not guided by God leads to this. If it were truly for God that you were following them, by God, this would not have happened. You would have had dignity and honour. But since you did not follow God, this is the outcome of following humans. As for us, God has protected us and separated us. Where will they even find us? Where?
“God has protected and set us apart, and God is above them all. By God, He is even above the aircraft, if He wills, He can strike the aircraft and bring it down to the ground.”
