Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a distressing development that underscores the persistent insecurity in northeastern Nigeria, a newly surfaced video shows two men held captive by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants asking for urgent help and revealing the harsh conditions of their abduction in Borno State. One of the captives has been identified as Honourable Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of the Biu Local Government Area. The footage, which has circulated widely on social media and has been reported by multiple news outlets, has reignited concerns over the ongoing terror threat and the vulnerability of travellers in the region.
According to the video, the two men were kidnapped on the afternoon of December 17, 2025, while travelling from Miringa to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The victims say they were intercepted around 2:30 p.m. on a major highway linking the two towns, a route that has seen numerous insurgent attacks and abductions over the years. In the footage, both hostages appear fatigued and tense, but conscious and speaking directly into the camera to appeal for help.
During the recording, the abductees confirmed they remain alive but are being held under duress with a ransom demand of $150,000 per person, bringing the total sum sought by their captors to $300,000 — an amount equivalent to approximately ₦423 million at prevailing exchange rates. They implored authorities, community leaders, and well-meaning individuals to intervene to secure their freedom and return them safely to their families.
One of the victims identified himself as Miringa and spoke directly to the camera, stressing that their ordeal has lasted several weeks. “We were abducted on our way from Miringa to Maiduguri. Alhamdulillah, we are alive,” he said, using the Arabic phrase for gratitude that is commonly employed in the region. “We are calling on the government and good-hearted Nigerians to come to our rescue. We are their sons.”
In their appeal, the captives specifically called on prominent political figures from Borno State to assist with their rescue. These include Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu — all leaders with influence in the state’s political and community structures. They urged these officials to intervene on humanitarian grounds and marshal whatever resources are necessary to secure their release.
The viral video comes amid a broader backdrop of volatile security conditions in Borno State and the Lake Chad Basin, where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions continue to wage an insurgency that has lasted for more than a decade. The militant groups are notorious for their use of kidnapping for ransom as a tactic of financing and terror, targeting civilians, local officials, and travellers along roads that remain perilous despite ongoing military operations across the region. (The Star)
Despite repeated efforts by the Nigerian military and allied forces under Operation Hadin Kai — the nation’s primary counter-insurgency campaign — Islamist armed groups maintain the ability to strike in rural and semi-urban areas. Nigerian troops have carried out periodic clearance operations, freeing captives and engaging militants, but many areas remain high risk for abduction and ambush. Recent military actions have seen the rescue of other hostages and the neutralisation of insurgents, but the persistent frequency of kidnappings highlights the complex security landscape in Borno.
Local authorities and security agencies have not yet issued an official response to the newly released video or the ransom demand. In past incidents, the government has typically refrained from publicly negotiating with insurgents, emphasising instead military efforts to locate and rescue kidnapped individuals. The state government and federal security apparatus often coordinate operations discreetly, and public statements are usually limited to confirmations of abductions rather than negotiation details.
The plea from Miringa and his companion has drawn attention across Nigeria, especially among residents and civic groups in Borno State. Many express solidarity and hope for a safe outcome, urging government leaders to act swiftly and decisively. Families of the abducted remain anguished, with community members expressing fears over the high ransom and the dangers the hostages face as days pass without confirmed news of negotiations or rescue efforts.
Analysts and security experts note that kidnappings continue to be a lucrative source of revenue for Boko Haram and ISWAP factions when military pressure disrupts their ability to control territory. Ransoms not only provide funds for operations but also serve as a psychological tool to instill fear among civilians and erode confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
The situation also highlights the complex humanitarian dimensions of the insurgency. Thousands of residents in Borno and neighbouring states have been displaced over the years, with many living in camps or informal settlements due to violence. Abductions further deepen the trauma of communities already coping with loss, displacement, and economic hardship. Humanitarian organisations and local networks continue to call for more robust protective measures for residents and travellers alike, advocating for improved security patrols, better intelligence sharing, and stronger community policing initiatives.
As of now, uncertainty surrounds the fate of Miringa and his fellow captive. Their dramatic appeal via video underscores the ongoing human cost of the insurgency and the urgent need for decisive action by authorities at the state and national levels. The outcome of this case — whether through rescue, negotiation, or another form of resolution — will be closely watched by communities across the North East and beyond who hope for a reduction in kidnappings and greater stability in the region.
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