Nigeria’s missing girls to be released

Abuja: More than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria are to be released after a ceasefire was agreed with the Islamist group, the country's government has claimed.

The country's military and presidency independently claimed to have reached an agreement with Boko Haram leaders to introduce a ceasefire and ensure the return of the 219 girls.

They were taken captive in April, sparking international condemnation and a global campaign on social media entitled "Bring Back Our Girls" to lobby for their return.

Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, said: "A ceasefire agreement has been concluded between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram)." "I have accordingly directed the service chiefs to ensure immediate compliance with this development in the field."

Separately, Hassan Tukur, President Goodluck Jonathan's Principal Secretary, told AFP an agreement to release the schoolgirls and end hostilities had been reached following two meetings with the militants. The negotiations took place in neighbouring Chad, mediated by that country's President Idriss Deby, he said. "Boko Haram issued the ceasefire as a result of the discussions we have been having with them," said Tukur.

"They have agreed to release the Chibok girls," he continued, referring the town in north-east Nigeria from which girls had been taken.There was, however, doubt cast over the validity of the claims after it emerged President Jonathan may have been using news of a potential deal to boost his support ahead of Nigeria's presidential elections.

Experts also questioned the credibility of the man who reportedly acted as Boko Haram's envoy in the Chad negotiations.

"I have never heard of such a man and if Boko Haram wanted to declare a ceasefire it would come from the group's leader Abubakar Shekau," said Shehu Sani, a Boko Haram expert who has negotiated with the group before on behalf of the government.