A footage of Abu Bakr Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram, posted on the Internet by the militant group.
On Wednesday, various reports of kidnappings spread throughout the Nigerian town of Damasak. Residents and officials claim that Boko Haram has kidnapped some 500 individuals in the town of Damasak, which was liberated from Boko Haram.
It is unclear exactly how many were abducted by the terrorist group, but several residents have reported to both AP and BBC news that more than 500 were taken. One resident claims that Boko Haram abducted over 500 children.
When Boko Haram fled the town during its liberation, residents claim that it was frenzy. The number of people killed or abducted is unclear because of the change in leadership recently in Nigerian towns, as regional forces have driven back the militants.
Last week, a mass grave was found under a bridge near Damasak; it contained more than 70 bodies. During its occupation of Damasak, Boko Haram forced young boys to either attend Islamic schools called madrassas or enlist in the militant party.
Kidnappings have been a major threat to young men and women in Nigeria. Boko Haram has had a history of abducting residents for human capital. Women are abused sexually and often times forced into marriage with militants. All of the abducted are forced to convert to Islam. Girls are also forced to join the militants and have been used as suicide bombers.
Boko Haram has used kidnapping as a source of income by selling or ransoming their prisoners. In the past few years, the militant group kidnapped hundreds of girls. Though the exact number is unknown, it ranges as high as 2,000 women.
Regional forces including Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger claim to have made great advances against Boko Haram. Reportedly, most villages have been cleared of Boko Haram occupation. With elections approaching, the Nigerian government has closed its borders starting from midnight on Wednesday to midnight on Saturday. Incumbent Goodluck Jonathan hopes to win voter support for the recent reclaiming of Nigerian towns.
