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Ex-Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP Militants
Honorable Hassan Biu Miringa, who formerly held the position of Vice Chairman in the Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, has been taken hostage by insurgents affiliated with Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The captors are demanding a substantial ransom of ₦423 million (roughly $300,000) for his release.
Urgent Video Appeal Calls for Immediate Assistance
A newly surfaced video shows Miringa alongside another abductee, both making heartfelt appeals to political authorities and community leaders within Borno State to intervene and secure their freedom. The footage, disseminated by security expert Zagazola Makam, emphasizes the critical nature of their predicament.
Chronology and Circumstances of the Kidnapping
The abduction occurred on December 17, 2025, as the two men traveled from Miringa town toward Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The kidnappers have stipulated a ransom of $150,000 per individual, totaling $300,000 for both hostages.
Firsthand Testimony from Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa
“I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Local Government Chairman of Biu from 2020 to 2022. We were captured by the Khilafa soldiers about two weeks ago in December 2025. We remain alive but urgently require assistance to regain our freedom,” Miringa conveyed in the video message.
Negotiation Efforts and Plea for Compassionate Leadership
Miringa disclosed that negotiations with the kidnappers have taken place on four occasions, leading to some form of tentative agreement. He earnestly appealed to prominent figures such as Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, National Assembly representative Hon. Betera Aliyu for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani constituencies, as well as community leaders including Dr. Sule Ali Rimi and Hon. Kimba, to show mercy and assist in facilitating their release.
Ransom Demand and Call for Swift Action
The insurgents have set the ransom at $150,000 per captive, amounting to $300,000 for both men. Miringa implored government officials and the public to respond promptly to their distress call, hoping for a safe reunion with their families. He concluded with a prayer for divine intervention and enduring peace in the region.
“We pray that our pleas are heard and that help arrives soon so we can return safely to our loved ones. May Allah bless us with peace and protection,” he added.
Security Challenges and Wider Impact in Northeastern Nigeria
This abduction highlights the ongoing security crisis in northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents persistently disrupt communities through kidnappings and extortion. Recent data indicates that over 1,200 abductions linked to these groups have been recorded in Borno State alone within the last year, underscoring the urgent necessity for strengthened security protocols and community resilience programs.
