The Nigerian government has confirmed the release of 21 of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgent group April, 2014.
Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media, announced the release on his twitter handle on Thursday.
Shehu said the released girls were in the custody of the Department of Security Services (DSS).
“It is confirmed that 21 of the missing Chibok Girls have been released and are in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He added that the Director-General of the DSS, Mallam Lawal Daura, who wants the girls to have some rest, (with all of them very tired coming out of the process) before he hands them over to the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has briefed President Muhammadu Buhari of the development.
According to Mallam Shehu, the release of the girls, in a limited number is the outcome of negotiations between the administration and the sect, brokered by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government. “The negotiations will continue,” he added.
Malam Shehu added that the President welcomes the release of the girls but reminded Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that more than 30,000 fellow citizens were killed via terrorism.