By SUNTV Global Channel | July 30, 2026
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly demanded that the Nigerian Government negotiate with them and pay a ransom for the release of 13 travellers who have remained in captivity for 106 days following their abduction along the Biu-Damaturu Highway in Borno State.
According to family members of the victims, one of the captives was recently allowed to make a phone call to a relative in Abuja. During the conversation, the hostage reportedly relayed the insurgents’ demand that the government negotiate and pay for their release.
The victims were abducted on April 15, 2026, when armed insurgents intercepted two commercial vehicles near the Kamuya axis of the Biu-Damaturu Highway. While some passengers, including the drivers and a few elderly travellers, were released, 13 others, including women and a seven-month-old baby, were taken into captivity.
Relatives say they remain deeply concerned about the welfare of the hostages, particularly after spending more than three months in captivity. Reports also indicate that one of the abducted women may have given birth while being held by the terrorists, raising additional concerns about the health and safety of both mother and child.
The families have renewed their appeal to the Federal Government and the Borno State Government, urging authorities to take urgent steps to secure the safe return of their loved ones. They also expressed frustration over what they described as the lack of official communication regarding efforts to rescue the victims.
The reported ransom demand comes despite the provisions of Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalises the payment of ransom to terrorists and kidnappers. The Federal Government has also consistently maintained that it does not negotiate with terrorist groups, arguing that ransom payments encourage further acts of terrorism and kidnapping.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Federal Government regarding the reported demands by the insurgents.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the situation and provide verified updates as more information becomes available.
