Armed militants belonging to the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have demanded a ransom payment of ten million naira for the release of thirteen teenage girls kidnapped in Borno State. The victims were seized while working on family farms in Huyin District, located within Askira Uba Local Government Area.
The Harrowing Abduction and a Mother's Release
The incident occurred on Saturday, November 2025, when the terrorists stormed the agricultural area. In a recent development reported on Tuesday, November 22, 2025, a relative of one victim confirmed to Daily Trust that the kidnappers had established contact. This was made possible after they deliberately released one of the abducted women.
"She did not manage to escape," the relative clarified. "Her captors set her free after discovering she was a breastfeeding mother."
Before her release, the insurgents executed a calculated plan. They confiscated her personal mobile phone and provided her with a new SIM card, giving her strict instructions to insert it into a handset upon reaching her community.
A Crippling Ransom Demand and Community Desperation
The scheme became clear as soon as the freed woman followed the instructions. A call came through from the kidnappers, who issued a direct ransom demand of N10 million for the safe return of the remaining thirteen teenage girls.
This enormous financial demand has plunged the local community into profound distress. A community representative expressed their collective despair, highlighting the stark economic reality they face.
"We are a poor farming community that struggles daily to provide for our basic needs," he lamented. "Where are we supposed to find such a large amount of money to secure the freedom of our children?"
The community is now making a desperate appeal to both the government and philanthropic Nigerians for urgent assistance to facilitate the girls' release from their captors.
Police Response and Security Assurance
When approached for comment, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, stated that he was not initially aware of the specific ransom demand. However, he promised to immediately gather details on the situation and provide an update.
ASP Daso also sought to reassure the anxious families and community members, affirming the police force's commitment to ensuring the safe return of all the abducted children.
