B’Haram demands $150,000 ransom for kidnapped ex–Borno LGA vice chair

A video currently circulating on social media has sparked concern after showing two men believed to be held captive by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents in Borno State appealing for help following their abduction.

In the footage, the men are seen calling on the government and the public to assist in securing their release. One of the captives has been identified as Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area in Borno State.

The victims were kidnapped on December 17, 2025, while traveling from Miringa to Maiduguri, according to information shared in the footage.

According to a report by security analyst Zagozola Makama, in the video, the abductees disclosed that their captors are demanding a ransom of $150,000 each, bringing the total amount requested to $300,000 for their release.

“We were abducted on our way from Miringa to Maiduguri around 2:30. Alhamdulillah, we are alive,” one of the victims said. “We are calling on the government and individuals to come to our rescue.”

The abducted men made a direct appeal to several prominent individuals, including Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu, urging them to intervene.

“We are pleading with them to come to our rescue. We are their sons,” the victim said. “They said we must provide $150,000 each. For the two of us, it is $300,000. We want to be reunited with our families.”