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However, the insurgents warned that the process may be severely hindered, claiming the captives have already been dispersed across distant locations.
A faction of Boko Haram, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has agreed to release 50 women and children from a group of 416 abducted victims following intense negotiations and mediation efforts by the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA).
However, the insurgents warned that the process may be severely hindered, claiming the captives have already been dispersed across distant locations.
In a voice note obtained by SaharaReporters, a representative of the terrorist group, speaking in Hausa, disclosed that gathering the women and children for release would be extremely difficult due to their current dispersion.
According to the Boko Haram representative, “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,” he said.
“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?”
Speaking with SaharaReporters on Tuesday evening, BOSYA President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigam, confirmed that negotiations had yielded a conditional agreement for the release of 50 victims.
“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,” Kaigam said.
He commended the role of the Nigerian Army, noting that their efforts stood out amid insufficient commitment from 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 outlined the proposed terms of release, stating that families of the victims and well-wishers are expected to contribute an unspecified amount of money toward securing the victims’ freedom.
“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 explained.
He further stated 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,” Kaigam said.
He added that the new arrangement represents a significant reduction from the group’s earlier demand of ₦5 billion.
However, the insurgents reportedly issued a warning regarding the fate of the remaining captives.
According to BOSYA, the group indicated that after the release of the 50 women and children, the status of the others may remain uncertain.
“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,” Kaigam disclosed.
“According to them, those they can keep will be kept, while those they cannot may face execution, with such acts possibly recorded and shared.”
BOSYA has therefore called on Nigerians, particularly indigenes of Southern Borno State, as well as the international community, to urgently support efforts aimed at securing 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 appealed.
The group also revealed that the insurgents had earlier issued a five-day ultimatum before dispersing the captives to unknown destinations outside Nigeria, a deadline which has now reportedly elapsed—further complicating rescue efforts and heightening fears for the safety of those still in captivity.
Previously, SaharaReporters reported that Boko Haram declared that the 72-hour ultimatum it issued to the Nigerian government had expired, warning that it was now prepared to begin the execution of 416 women and children held captive in Goshe, Borno State.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, a spokesperson for the group, speaking in Hausa, announced that all negotiations had collapsed, insisting that “there is no more discussion.”
The terrorist, who identified the group as operating under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima Al-Muhajir, issued a series of threats directed at the Nigerian authorities, while also mocking government efforts and dismissing ransom discussions.
“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 said.
“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 spokesperson stressed that the group’s patience had run out.
Source: SaharaReporters.com | Read the Full Story…
