…Presidential Spokesman Outlines Nationwide Military Successes as Fresh Terror Ultimatum Spreads Chills in Borno
By Abu Adamu
Nigerian security forces recorded a string of operational successes across multiple theatres over the past week, according to an account by Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, even as a Boko Haram faction issued a 72-hour ultimatum threatening the fate of 416 abducted civilians in Borno State.
Onanuga, who provided a detailed rundown of military activities, said field reports indicate that troops are “making significant gains in the asymmetrical war” against insurgents, bandits, and criminal networks across the country.
Separately, a faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), released a video on April 19 in which it threatened to execute 416 hostages, mostly women and children abducted from Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area—if its demands are not met within 72 hours.
In the video, the insurgents, dressed in military camouflage, warned that the victims could be moved to different locations “where they may never be seen again,” while daring the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue.
“If the government believes it can rescue them by force, you are free to try,” a masked spokesperson said, adding that the group was battle-ready and would not hesitate to act.
The message, delivered in Hausa and translated into English, described the ultimatum as a “first and final message,” with the group insisting it does not recognise the Nigerian government.
Although the insurgents did not state their demands in the video, separate communications linked to the group indicated a ransom request of ₦5 billion for the release of the captives.
The victims were originally abducted during a March 4, 2024 attack on a military base and surrounding communities in Ngoshe, during which insurgents reportedly overran security positions, destroyed equipment, and carried out mass abductions.
The Borno South Youths Alliance, which has been involved in mediation efforts, confirmed receiving the ultimatum and described it as a “final warning.” Its president, Samaila Kaigama, called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government and other stakeholders to secure the release of the captives.
The Nigerian military has also reportedly issued a counter-warning to insurgents in the region, urging them to surrender or face intensified operations.
Amid the heightened tension, Onanuga highlighted a series of military operations across the country.
In Benue State, he said troops under Operation Whirl Stroke “rescued the remaining 13 passengers” abducted from a commercial bus travelling between Makurdi and Otukpo after a search-and-rescue mission in Ohimini Local Government Area. He added that “security sources clarified that the perpetrators were local criminal elements,” countering earlier claims of external involvement.
In Plateau State, Onanuga reported that troops responding to gunfire in Bassa Local Government Area “found three wounded victims,” one of whom later died. He added that personnel under Operation Enduring Peace “arrested multiple suspects,” including individuals linked to violent crimes in Jos North and Riyom.
He further disclosed that troops “apprehended nine ethnic militiamen responsible for targeted killings” in Riyom, recovering arms and ammunition, amid “recurring attacks and cycles of violence” in communities such as Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu.
Onanuga said troops also conducted “search-and-rescue missions, recovery of livestock, and prevention of cattle rustling,” while responding to clashes between farmers and herders in a bid to stabilise affected areas.
In the North-East, he reported that troops of Operation Hadin Kai “neutralised two terrorists” along the Kirawa-Pulka axis and repelled another attack in Benisheikh, forcing insurgents to retreat.
He added that troops “discovered and detonated an improvised explosive device” in Mairari, while in Yobe State, security forces “arrested three ISWAP logistics suppliers” during a joint operation in Damaturu.
Elsewhere, Onanuga said troops “foiled a kidnap attempt” in Auchi, Edo State, rescuing victims and arresting five suspects, while in Sokoto State, soldiers “repelled an attack by suspected terrorists” in Garin Hillo village.
In Kogi State, troops under Operation MESA “destroyed a suspected terrorist camp” and intercepted a logistics courier, he said, while in the South-East, joint forces in Imo State “discovered and safely defused improvised explosive devices.”
Summing up the nationwide operations, Onanuga maintained that the armed forces are “resolutely prosecuting this asymmetric war,” stressing that sustained patrols, intelligence-led raids, and inter-agency collaboration remain central to restoring stability.
While acknowledging that “challenges remain and the battle is far from over,” he emphasised that recent operations demonstrate continued progress across multiple fronts, even as security agencies confront fresh threats in the North-East.