Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have expressed readiness to negotiate the release of more than 50 abducted residents in Borno State, calling on the Federal Government to open discussions through a journalist they reportedly selected as a mediator.

The development comes as the Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of dozens of schoolchildren kidnapped in separate attacks in the state, insisting the victims had not been forgotten.

According to the spokesperson for the families of the abductees, Hassan Yati, the kidnappers recently sent proof-of-life materials, including a photograph and voice messages, confirming that the victims were alive.

Yati said the insurgents asked the government to establish communication through a journalist whose identity has been withheld, adding that the families were ready to provide authorities with all the information they had received.

He explained that the group had indicated a willingness to negotiate and that discussions would reveal any further demands. He urged both the Federal Government and the Borno State Government to act quickly in the interest of the victims and their families.

The abductees include women, children, students, recent graduates and travellers who were seized in separate incidents across Borno State.

The latest appeal comes amid growing concern over the fate of 78 schoolchildren abducted in separate attacks on schools in Askira Uba Local Government Area. Forty-two pupils were kidnapped from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in May, while another 36 students and one teacher were abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in June.

Civil society organisations and parents have criticised the lack of regular updates on rescue efforts, urging the authorities to intensify operations and ensure the safe return of all those in captivity.

Responding to the concerns, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the military remained committed to rescuing the victims. He said troops under Operation HADIN KAI were taking steps to secure their safe release and assured Nigerians that the abducted children had not been forgotten.