WorldLAGOS, AFP -Jihadist group Boko Haram released 21 kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls to the Nigerian government following a prisoner swap, an official in the president's office said Thursday. The Chibok girls were released as part of a prisoner swap deal struck between Boko Haram, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Nigerian and Swiss governments, said official and local sources. “It is confirmed that 21 of the missing Chibok girls have been released and are in the custody of the department of state services,” presidential spokesman Garba Shehu said in a statement. “The negotiations will continue.” The girls were exchanged for four Boko Haram prisoners in Banki, northeast Nigeria, said local sources. “The 21 (Chibok) girls arrived (in) Banki around 3:00 am (0200 GMT) where they found a military helicopter waiting.

Source: Sunday Times October 13, 2016 11:26 UTC