The Federal Government, on Thursday confirmed the release of 21 of the 219 female students of the Chibok Secondary Schools abducted by members of the Boko Haram sect in April 2014.
In a tweet just before noon, Presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu said: "It is confirmed that 21 of the missing Chibok Girls have been released and are in the custody if the Department of State Service, DSS.
"The Director-General (of the DSS), Malam Lawal Daura just finished briefing the President..."
In another tweet, he explained: "The release of the girls, in limited number is the outcome of negotiations between the (President Muhammadu Buhari) administration and the Boko Haram brokered by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government. The negotiation will continue."
While the President welcomes the release of the girls, Shehu said he "cautioned Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that more than 30,000 fellow citizens were killed via terrorism."
The release, amidst expectation that more would be set free as negotiations continue between the government and the sect, has brightened chances that more of the girls will soon reunite with their families.
The President's spokes explained further that the DSS boss wants the freed girls to have some rest as they are tired from the process, before handing them over to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, with the President on his way for an official visit to Germany.
Malam Shehu also promised to release names of the freed girls soon.
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