MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Insurgents from the Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram have executed at least seven captives following a failed escape attempt from a terrorist hideout in Borno State.
The gruesome killings were intentionally carried out in front of dozens of other abductees, including women and children, to terrorize the remaining hostages and prevent future breakaways.
The Execution and Deterrent Tactics
According to local security sources and a youth mediation group, the victims were captured by armed terrorists after trying to flee the remote camp. A highly graphic 30-second video released by the insurgents—obtained through the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA)—showed heavily armed militants, including child soldiers, surrounding the men before slitting their throats.
The bodies of the victims were subsequently displayed across the camp as a warning. The deceased were part of the 416 civilians abducted from the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area during a devastating raid on March 4, 2026.
Ransom Ultimatum and Humanitarian Crisis
The executions follow a lapsed 72-hour ultimatum issued by Boko Haram to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The terror group had previously demanded a ₦5 billion ransom to secure the release of all hostages, threatening mass executions and permanent relocation of the victims to inaccessible mountain hideouts if their terms were unmet.
While 12 hostages successfully escaped the Sambisa Forest complex in late April and reached the safety of the Nigerian military, about 400 civilians remain trapped.
Hostages face severe starvation, dehydration, and a lack of medical care. BOSYA officials report that multiple captives, primarily women and children, have already died in recent weeks due to untreated illnesses and extreme neglect.
Calls for Intervention
Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, President of BOSYA, confirmed his organization has been attempting to negotiate the release of at least 50 women and children. However, Kaigama strongly criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, stating that urgent pleas to both state and federal authorities for a coordinated rescue operation have gone unanswered.
President Bola Tinubu had previously ordered security forces to intensify rescue operations following the initial March raid. However, local leaders warn that time is running out for the remaining hostages as the humanitarian conditions inside the camps deteriorate rapidly.
