Boko Haram fighters have reportedly demanded a ransom running into hundreds of millions of naira for the release of a former local government official and another captive in Borno State, deepening concerns over the worsening security situation in the North-East.
A recently circulated video shows two visibly distressed men held by the insurgent group, appealing to authorities and prominent figures for urgent intervention.
Among them is Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area.
According to information obtained from the footage, the abductees were seized on December 17, 2025, while travelling along the Miringa–Maiduguri route, a corridor long plagued by insurgent activity.
In the video, the captives claimed their abductors are demanding $150,000 for each hostage, bringing the total ransom to $300,000.
At current exchange rates, the amount exceeds N400 million.
One of the victims, speaking calmly but with visible fear, said they were still alive but running out of hope.
“We are being held under difficult conditions, and the demand placed on us is far beyond what our families can raise,” he stated.
The abductees directly appealed to senior government officials and political leaders from Borno, urging them to use their influence to facilitate negotiations and secure their freedom.
They described themselves as loyal citizens who have served their communities.
“We are not criminals. We are sons of this state who need help,” one of the men said, adding that their families were suffering immense emotional and financial strain.
Meanwhile, security analysts say the latest abduction highlights Boko Haram’s continued reliance on high-value kidnappings as a funding strategy, despite sustained military operations against the group.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Borno State Government nor security agencies have issued an official statement on the video or the ransom demand.