More than 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped in 2014 in northeastern Nigeria as they were preparing to sit their high school exams. The news sent shockwaves across the planet and sparked an international campaign to bring them home.
In the wake of the incident, nearly 60 of the girls managed to escape and returned home. Six months ago, more than a dozen were set free, thanks to international mediators.
Well, it appears their tireless efforts have again been successful. The Nigerian President has announced, after months of talks with the terror group responsible for the kidnapping, Boko Haram, they have achieved more results.
A statement from the government reads: "Today 82 more Chibok girls were released. After lengthy negotiations, our security agencies have taken back these girls, in exchange for some Boko Haram suspects held by the authorities.
"President Muhammadu Buhari expresses his deep gratitude to all who played a part in ensuring the success of this operation, as follows: Security agencies, the military, the Government of Switzerland, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and local and international NGOs."
Many people took to social media to praise those behind the operation:
According to AFP, three people from Chad who are allegedly senior commanders in Boko Haram, were handed over in exchange for the girls.
One hundred and thirteen girls remain captive, although it's believed that some have been killed in military airstrikes.
Advert
Source: Yahoo
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/Mamadou Sow
