Google map location of the incident
A disturbing viral video circulating online has sparked nationwide concern after showing a suspected Boko Haram fighter questioning captive women in Hausa, claiming the abductees are 176 in number, a figure that sharply contradicts verified reports from the attack.
In the footage, the armed man begins with an Islamic invocation, saying “Bismillah” which means, in the name of God, before addressing viewers and the captives.
The fighter then says in Hausa, “Gade wannan mutane, sune wanda aka kamasu a Woru. To yanzu zaku ji inda aka kama su da kuma yawan su daga bakin su” which translates as “Look at these people, they are the ones captured in Woru. Now you will hear where they were captured and their number from their own mouths.”
He proceeds to question the women individually and starting with the first Woman he asks “Ke ina aka kama ku?” — “Where were you captured?” and she responds “A Woru.” — “In Woru.”
To another question, “Wace karamar hukuma?” — “Which local government area?” she replies “Kaiama.”
Concerning the third question, “Wace jiha ce?” — “Which state?” she tells him “Kwara State.”
Boko Haram fighters. Credit: Maggie Fick
After repeating the same questions to the second woman, the armed man asks an extra question, “Nawa ne adadin naku?” — “How many are you in total?” and she answers, “We are 176.”
The claim appears to contradict earlier reports released shortly after the abduction. When the women were first kidnapped, authorities reportedly announced that only a little over 20 persons were abducted, a figure widely circulated in initial news reports.
The insurgent then delivers a concluding remark in Hausa language saying, “Kunji de, ashe gwamnatin naku ta kafirci da ta karya, ga tana yaudarar mutane tana cewa ku baku wuce ashirin ba (20)” which roughly translates as “You have heard it — your government is unbelieving and deceitful. It is misleading people by saying you are not more than twenty.”
Immediately after the statement, voices believed to be those of the abducted women and children are heard shouting in the background.
The video does not disclose when the footage was recorded or provide independent verification of the claims made in it.
Verified Reports Tell a Different Story
Despite the viral claim, available verified reports suggest a significantly lower number of abductees.
Documented reporting on the February 2026 Woro–Nuku attacks in Kwara State indicates that, about 38 people were abducted, mostly women and children.
It was reported that the attack killed over 160 people, with some estimates exceeding about 200.
Footage of the abducted victims. Source: Screenshot from the viral video
Government Vs Insurgent Narrative
The insurgent’s claim that authorities initially reported fewer than 20 abductees has not been independently verified in widely documented reports.
However, analysts note that number discrepancies are common in conflict zones, especially during mass casualty events where figures evolve rapidly and propaganda is frequently deployed.
Extremist groups have historically used hostage videos to inflate victim numbers, undermine public trust in government, amplify psychological impact and shape narratives around attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian security agencies have not issued an official statement confirming the authenticity of the video or providing updated figures on the number of captives.
The identities of the women shown remain unverified, and it is unclear when the footage was recorded.
The viral clip has triggered widespread fear online, with many Nigerians calling for urgent clarification from authorities and intensified rescue efforts if the claims are confirmed.
