The Federal Government has confirmed that 21 of the missing Chibok Girls have been released, disclosing that they are in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

News Express was among the first to publish the story of the girls’ release, indicating that it was the outcome of negotiations with Boko Haram. The Presidency confirmed this.

A statement issued in Abuja by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), reads: “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.

“The Director-General, Malam LAWAL Daura just finished briefing the President H.E MUHAMMADU Buhari.

“The release of the girls, in a limited number is the outcome of negotiations between the administration and the Boko Haram brokered by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government. The negotiations will continue.

“The President welcomes the release of the girls but cautioned Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that more than 30,000 fellow citizens were killed via terrorism.

“Malam LAWAL 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, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The President takes off shortly on a trip to Germany for a state visit.

“The names of the released girls follows shortly.”

•Photo shows the abducted Chibok girls.

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