Residents of Ungwan Nungu in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State are living in fear after terrorists issued chilling threats of retaliation following a military operation that left two gang members dead and led to the seizure of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and roughly ₦1.6 million.

Community sources told newsmen on Friday that the new threats emerged only days after 10 villagers—six women and four men—were abducted while working on their farms on November 29, a pattern that has become distressingly routine.

According to residents, security forces confronted the terrorists on Friday as they arrived to pick up ransom payments for the abducted villagers. Soldiers reportedly recovered an AK-47 rifle, a round of 9mm ammunition, and cash believed to be ransom funds.

Shortly after the clash, the terrorists released a Hausa-language audio message accusing locals of tipping off the military about their movements, which they claim led to the deadly ambush.

“The voice note came from the terrorists. They are threatening us because two of their members were reportedly killed,” a community member said.

This is not the first attack on Ungwan Nungu. In an earlier incident, about 15 people—mostly children—were kidnapped, with five later abandoned by the attackers because they were too weak to continue walking.

The newly released audio message, however, marks a significant escalation. In the recording, one of the terrorists vowed that the group would unleash violent reprisals on the community.

“We will return and retaliate,” terrorist warns

In the voice note, the terrorist issued a series of ominous threats: “Is that why you sent soldiers to us?

I swear to Almighty God, we have ‘entered the same trousers’ with you.

Everything the soldiers did to us, we will repay. If we are still alive, we will definitely retaliate.”

He warned that after regrouping, the gang would return to punish the community for the alleged betrayal.

The fighter also demanded that the village pay for the AK-47 rifle seized by soldiers, threatening widespread attacks if they failed to comply.

“Because of that one rifle, only God knows how many lives will be lost unless you pay.

From the farms to the roads to the villages—even security operatives—we will attack you.”

He gave the community a two-month ultimatum, adding: “If you refuse to pay, we will come ourselves and take it.”

Community denies alerting soldiers

In response to the threats, a community representative in the audio pleaded with the terrorists, insisting villagers did not contact the military.

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“I swear to God, we did not send soldiers to you.

The military is even angry with us because they claim we hide information from them.”

He explained that the Nigerian military had earlier confronted residents for negotiating ransom payments without informing security forces.

Community living in fear

With terrorists openly naming farmlands, roads, and homes as future attack zones, villagers say Ungwan Nungu has been plunged into fear and uncertainty. Residents now remain on high alert, unsure when or how the threats will materialise.