Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A faction of Boko Haram known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) has released a video showing the condition of 416 abducted residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, in what appears to be an attempt to demonstrate that the captives are alive and in stable condition.
The video, obtained on Thursday and lasting about six minutes and 43 seconds, reportedly shows mostly women and children, alongside a smaller number of men, who were abducted during an earlier attack on the community. In the footage, members of the group speak to the victims and also allow some of them to address the camera.
A spokesperson for the faction, whose identity was not disclosed, said the recording was made following a request allegedly conveyed by a group identified as the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), which has reportedly been engaging in mediation efforts concerning the abducted persons. He stated that the group decided to document the victims’ condition to show that they were being kept alive.
During the video, the spokesperson claimed the captives were not subjected to torture or sexual abuse, adding that they had been provided food, clothing, and basic shelter. He also said the decision to film the victims was made in line with internal directives and in response to mediation appeals.
One of the abducted women, who spoke in the video, described the group as being alive and receiving basic care, including food, clothing for children, and treatment for those who fell ill. She, however, expressed distress over the separation from their families and uncertainty about the fate of relatives outside captivity, noting that some families may not know whether their loved ones are alive.
She also appealed to Nigerian authorities, including the President, Vice President, Borno State Governor, and local representatives, to intervene urgently to secure their release and reunite them with their families.
The Borno South Youths Alliance later confirmed that approximately 416 individuals are currently in captivity, stating that the figure was established through what it described as ongoing engagement and humanitarian discussions with the abductors. The group said the number may differ from earlier media reports, which it claimed had underestimated the scale of the abductions.
In a statement issued by its leadership, the group stressed that its involvement in discussions does not imply support for insurgent activities, but rather reflects what it described as a humanitarian effort to advocate for the release of victims from Southern Borno communities.
The organisation said it has been working discreetly to mediate on behalf of families affected by the attack and insisted that the voices of the abducted persons must be heard both nationally and internationally.
It further called on Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims, urging government institutions, international partners, and global organisations to support ongoing efforts aimed at resolving the situation.
The group referenced previous interventions in other northern states where abducted persons were reportedly released following negotiations facilitated by individuals and religious mediators, arguing that similar urgency should be applied in the case of the Ngoshe captives.
It also appealed for coordinated action involving federal and state authorities, insisting that the safety and freedom of the abducted individuals remain a priority and should not be delayed.
The abduction is linked to a previous attack on Ngoshe community in early March, during which armed insurgents reportedly stormed a military position, destroyed vehicles, and disrupted security operations before taking civilians away from the area.
Since then, security concerns in parts of Gwoza and surrounding communities have remained high, with residents expressing fear over repeated attacks and limited access to affected areas due to ongoing security challenges.
Authorities have continued counter-insurgency operations in the region, with military forces conducting patrols and surveillance activities aimed at locating abducted persons and preventing further attacks.
Security analysts note that insurgent groups in the North East have increasingly used abductions as a strategy to exert pressure, gain visibility, and leverage negotiations, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
The latest video has renewed public concern over the safety of civilians in conflict-affected areas of Borno State, where communities have repeatedly faced attacks, displacement, and disruption of livelihoods over the years.
Government and security agencies are expected to respond to the development as pressure mounts for urgent action to secure the release of the victims and prevent further escalation of insecurity in the region.
Authorities have not yet issued a detailed official response to the latest video, but military operations in the general area are believed to be ongoing as part of broader counter-terrorism efforts in the North East.
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