Security analyst Ryan Cummings from Signal Risk told DW the recent release of the some of the Chibok hostages on two separate occasions "does provide one with optimism that the Nigerian government can go ahead and secure the release of the remaining hostages." The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss government helped to negotiate the girls' release on both occasions. It was unlikely that Boko Haram would expend such "bargaining chips" on targets such as a market in Maiduguri. The release of the 82 girls bought Buhari "some political capital" as he departed for London yet again for health reasons, Cummings said. "The jubiliation that is surrounding the release of this Chibok girls is almost offsetting any criticism he may evoke by departing the Nigerina presidency and heading abroad for medical treatment."

Source: Egypt Independent May 08, 2017 13:18 UTC