A faction of Boko Haram, known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, has released a video showing dozens of abducted residents from Ngoshe in Borno State, claiming the captives are alive, in good condition, and not subjected to abuse.
The footage, which runs for over six minutes, features about 416 victims—mostly women and children, along with a few men—who were reportedly taken during a recent attack on the community in Gwoza Local Government Area.
In the video, members of the group present the captives and allow some of them to speak.
A spokesperson for the insurgents said the video was recorded in response to a request from the Borno South Youths Alliance, which he described as acting as an intermediary since the abduction.
He insisted that the group treats the captives in line with their religious beliefs, stating they neither harm nor sexually abuse them.
Proof Of Life
One of the abducted women, speaking on camera, confirmed that they were alive and receiving basic care, including food, shelter, and medical attention for those who are ill.
She noted that some children who arrived without clothing had been provided with garments.
Despite these assurances, she expressed deep concern among the captives about their families back home.
According to her, many of them are anxious and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones, with reports that some relatives may have been affected by airstrikes or other tragedies.
She made an emotional appeal to Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and Senator Ali Ndume, urging swift action to secure their release.
“We want to go back home,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll of being separated from their families and communities.
416 Individuals In Custody
Meanwhile, the Borno South Youths Alliance confirmed that 416 individuals are currently being held.
Its president, Samaila Kaigama, said the figure was obtained after several days of dialogue and humanitarian engagement with the abductors.
He clarified that the group’s involvement is not an endorsement of insurgency but a necessary step to advocate for the victims and seek practical solutions to ongoing insecurity in Southern Borno.
Kaigama also pointed out that previous mediation efforts in states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi have led to the release of abducted persons, calling on authorities to show the same urgency in this case.
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He further appealed to the international community, including the United Nations, to support efforts aimed at securing the freedom of the captives, many of whom are vulnerable individuals such as children, elderly people, and women in fragile conditions.