Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly demanded a total ransom of N3.52 billion for the release of 176 residents abducted from communities in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The victims, mostly women and children, were kidnapped during a deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities on February 3, 2026. According to sources familiar with the situation, the insurgents are demanding N20 million for each captive.
A community source disclosed that the terrorists have already contacted intermediaries and presented their demands, placing both families and the Kwara State Government under intense pressure.
“The terrorists have reached out through negotiators and are insisting on N20 million per victim,” the source said, adding that the demand amounts to over N3.5 billion.
Negotiations, however, appear to have stalled, with the state government reportedly unwilling to meet the ransom demand. The deadlock has left families anxious, as discussions continue behind closed doors without a clear resolution.
Residents in the affected community also expressed concern over the lack of visible military action. According to the source, security operatives have largely remained stationed within the community rather than pursuing the abductors into the forest where the victims are believed to be held.
“The soldiers are present, but they are not going into the forest. What we are seeing is more of an attempt to negotiate rather than rescue operations,” the source alleged.
Tensions heightened further after the insurgents released a disturbing video showing dozens of abducted victims, including women, children and a nursing mother. In the footage, the captives appeared visibly distressed, with many wearing worn and dirty clothing, suggesting prolonged captivity under harsh conditions.
During the video, some of the victims, speaking in Hausa, confirmed they were abducted from Woro community. The terrorists also accused the government of downplaying the scale of the incident, claiming that while officials initially reported 20 to 30 kidnappings, the actual number in their custody is 176.
Reacting to the video, the Kwara State Government, through its Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said it was deeply concerned and is working with security agencies to verify the identities of those shown.
Authorities maintain that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of the victims, as uncertainty continues to surround both the negotiations and possible rescue operations.
