Boko Haram Releases Video of 416 Ngoshe Abductees Alive, Appeals for Urgent Rescue Intensify
A faction of Boko Haram, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has released a fresh video revealing the condition of 416 abducted residents from Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The group claims the captives remain alive, in good health, and are not being subjected to abuse.
The footage, obtained on Thursday, shows the victims—predominantly women and children, alongside a few men—being addressed and displayed by members of the insurgent group.
In the six-minute, 43-second video, a spokesperson for the group explained that the recording was produced following a request by the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), which he said has been involved in mediation efforts since the abduction. PulseNets learnt that the group positioned BOSYA as an intermediary in ongoing engagements.
The unidentified spokesperson stated, “We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaimatul Muhajjir. We are here to clear a few issues as requested by the organisation, Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA). As you can see, they (victims) are fine, we do not harm them or rape them. We are doing this because religion taught us so.”
He added, “Without wasting time, we will now turn the camera to them to speak as requested and ordered by our leader.”
One of the abducted women, who appeared in the video, confirmed that they were in stable condition and receiving basic care. PulseNets reported that her remarks reflected a mix of reassurance and distress.
“We are the people of Ngoshe who were abducted during the last attack. We are grateful to Allah, we are hale and healthy with women and children. Some of the sick people here are treated, given medicine and taken care of. Some of our children were brought here without clothes and have been given clothes. We thank God. They gave us a place to sleep and provided food,” she said.
She, however, raised concerns about their families and issued a direct appeal for intervention.
“We are worried about our families. Some were killed by air force bombs, others affected by different calamities. Many don’t know whether we are alive or dead. We are grateful this video shows we are alive.
“We call on all Nigerian leaders—from President Bola Tinubu to Kashim Shettima, Babagana Zulum, Senator Ali Ndume, and all Gwoza leaders—to come to our aid. We want to return home. It is difficult for us to remain here.”
Meanwhile, BOSYA has confirmed that 416 individuals remain in captivity. PulseNets obtained a statement released late Thursday by the group’s president, Samaila Kaigama, indicating that the figure followed days of engagement and humanitarian dialogue with the abductors, correcting earlier estimates.
“The Borno South Youth Alliance wishes to inform the public that we have been actively and discreetly mediating for the release of our Southern Borno brothers and sisters abducted when insurgents attacked Ngoshe.
“Following days of engagement and appeals, we were given an official figure of 416 victims currently alive in captivity,” the statement read.
The group clarified that its involvement does not equate to support for insurgency but is focused on amplifying the voices of those held captive. PulseNets learnt that BOSYA framed its role strictly within humanitarian advocacy.
“We wish to state clearly that BOSYA does not support terrorism or the abduction of innocent civilians. However, we are committed to pursuing solutions to the insecurity affecting our region.
“The voices of the kidnapped victims must be heard both nationally and globally.”
Kaigama urged immediate government action, referencing similar interventions in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi, where abductees were eventually freed through mediation.
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“We expect the same urgency in addressing the plight of the Ngoshe victims. Their freedom and safety are non-negotiable,” he said.
He also called on the international community, including the United Nations and global stakeholders, to support efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the captives.
The development follows the March 4 attack on Ngoshe, during which insurgents reportedly overran a military base, destroyed operational vehicles, killed several individuals, and abducted residents.
