…Plead for urgent rescue
A faction of the Boko Haram insurgent group, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has released a video showing 416 abducted residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza local government area of Borno State, offering what it described as “proof of life” more than a month after the attack on the community.
The 6-minute, 43-second footage, reportedly recorded at the request of the Borno-South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), shows mostly women and children, alongside a few men, surrounded by armed insurgents.
In the video, the group claimed the captives are alive, in stable condition, and not subjected to abuse. A spokesperson for the group, who did not disclose his identity, said the victims were being treated in line with their religious principles. “As you can see, they are fine. We do not harm them or rape them. We are doing this because religion taught us so,” he said, before allowing some of the abductees to speak.
One of the female victims confirmed they were receiving basic care, including food, clothing, and medical attention for the sick. However, she expressed deep concern about their families and appealed for urgent rescue. “We are worried about our families. Many don’t know whether we are alive or dead. 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”, she said.
Some of the captives also reportedly appealed to international figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, to intervene in efforts to secure their release.
Meanwhile, BOSYA confirmed that 416 victims remain in captivity, describing the figure as the most accurate so far following days of engagement with the insurgents. In an issued statement, its President, Sama’ila Ibrahim Kaigama, said the group has been acting as a discreet mediator to amplify the voices of the abductees and facilitate their safe return.
Kaigama stressed that the group’s intervention does not in any way support the insurgency, but is driven by humanitarian concerns. He called on the Nigerian government and the international community, including the United Nations, to urgently step in and secure the victims’ release.
The abduction followed a March 4 attack on Ngoshe, during which insurgents reportedly overran a military base, destroyed operational vehicles, killed several people, and took dozens of residents hostage – now confirmed to be at least 416.
