A self-proclaimed militant commander has surfaced in a new video circulating online, issuing bold threats against the Nigerian state and asserting that his group plans to escalate its campaign of violence.

In the footage, obtained by newsmen, the man—armed and clad in what resembles a Nigerian military jacket—claims his faction carried out the recent mass kidnappings of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states. He warned that those incidents were only a prelude to more audacious attacks.

According to him, the group intends to move from targeting vulnerable communities to going after high-ranking figures within the country’s leadership.

“We have already taken students in Kebbi and Niger,” he boasted. “What comes next will be even bigger. We are prepared to seize senior military officers and take them deep into the forest.”

Gesturing to the uniform he wore, the speaker declared that his group’s ambitions extend to the highest levels of government. “This clothing belongs to a soldier,” he said. “Soon, we will kidnap a governor. Even the President is not beyond our reach.”

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Security agencies have not verified the man’s identity, but his remarks have stirred public alarm. Throughout the video, he accuses the government of failing to protect its citizens and urges Nigerians to seek spiritual rather than state protection.

“The arrest of a few people means nothing,” he asserted. “The government cannot keep you safe. Turn to God—He is the one who can answer your cries.”

He concluded his message by addressing followers on social media, proclaiming that ordinary citizens should not expect help from the country’s elites. “The powerful will not wipe your tears,” he said. “We have awakened. I greet all of you online. Enjoy your day.”