A faction of Boko Haram insurgents has issued a video message challenging the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue of 416 abducted persons in Borno State, warning that the victims could be relocated if their demands are not met within 72 hours.

The video, obtained on Monday, shows armed members of the group dressed in military camouflage declaring that they are prepared for confrontation if security forces attempt a military intervention instead of complying with their conditions.

The group warned that failure to meet its demands within the stipulated timeframe would lead to the victims comprising women and children being moved to undisclosed locations, potentially making their rescue more difficult.

The message, delivered in Hausa and translated on-screen, was attributed to Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidawati Wal-Jihad, the faction associated with Boko Haram.

The group also stated that it does not recognise the Nigerian government and insisted that its ultimatum should be taken seriously.

Although the insurgents did not publicly restate their demands in the video, earlier communications reportedly included a ₦5 billion ransom request for the release of the abducted victims.

A mediation channel linked to the Borno South Youths Alliance confirmed receiving the ultimatum. The group’s president, Samaila Kaigama, said the warning followed ongoing efforts to negotiate the release of the victims, who were abducted during a March attack on Ngoshe in Borno State.

Kaigama called on the federal government, state authorities, and private individuals to urgently intervene, urging coordinated efforts to secure the release of the captives.

He appealed specifically to top officials and wealthy Nigerians to support humanitarian efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.

The abduction traces back to an earlier attack on a military formation in Ngoshe, where insurgents reportedly destroyed vehicles, overran positions, killed an unspecified number of people and kidnapped several residents.

Security analysts say the latest video underscores continued volatility in the region and highlights the persistent challenge of hostage-taking tactics used by armed groups operating in the North-East.