Reporting by The Guardian Nigeria indicates a viral video shows two men—said to have been abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP—pleading for help, with a reported ransom demand of $150,000 per person.
The report says the victims were taken while travelling in Borno and that the ransom demand totals about ₦423 million, reflecting the continuing kidnapping-for-cash economy around the insurgency corridor.
Security analysts note ransom payments can create perverse incentives and fund further violence, but families and communities often face impossible choices under time pressure.
Authorities are under renewed pressure to improve route security, intelligence penetration of insurgent networks, and safe rescue capability.
Echotitbits take: The big watch is operational response—intel-led rescues and disruption of ransom pipelines. Also watch for better travel advisories and secured corridors for high-risk routes.
Source: GlobalUpFront – https://globalupfront.com/2026/01/11/boko-haram-terrorists-demand-n423m-ransom-to-release-borno-ex-lga-vice-chairman/ 11 January 2026
GlobalUpFront 2026-01-11
Photo Credit: The Times of Israel
