We did not swap released Chibok girls – Lai Mohammed

Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, culture and tourism, has made a swift reaction to the claims that the recently released 21 Chibok girls a swap between the government and the terrorist group.

“This is not a swap, this was a release. They were flown to Kaduna from the location of their release,” Mohammed said the girls were released by 5.30 amThursday, October 13, morning.” 

He also said the release of the girls is the effort of the federal government of Nigeria led by President Muhammadu Buhari to safe rescue.

He said the release of the girls came after an established confidence between the leadership of the sect and some negotiators.

The moment we heard of this credible lead, the president gave the Department of State Services (DSS) and the authority to pursue their release.

As soon as an agreement were reached the parties agreed and a place of exchange was agreed upon,” Mohammed added.

The minister also said that team of medical doctors, psychologist, social workers and trauma experts have been put in place to attend to the girls once they arrive Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

News broke out earlier that the deadly Boko Haram terror group had released 21 of the over 200 kidnapped school girls in the earlier hours ofThursday.

Both Femi Adesina and Mr Garba Shehu had confirmed the release of the girls to newsmen.

According to the spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Garba Shehu, the 21 of the missing Chibok Girls were released and are in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

It will be recalled that Sahara Reporters had alleged that the freed girls were swapped between the government and the terrorist group.

On the surprise release, Barrister Chris Akiri who spoke to the National Daily said, “I can remember OBJ’s pessimistic prognostication and Buhari’s brag to get the girls out within two months of his election as President! I can also remember the boasts of mouthy Lai Mohammed on this issue. The Nigerian military? I don’t have anything to say other than “Shame!”.