Three lecturers of the University of Maiduguri kidnapped when on a mining exploration by Boko Haram have been freed.
Also released from the Boko Haram terrorists are 10 women, kidnapped in a raid by the militant group on a military/police convoy on Damboa road, near Maiduguri.
The Department of State Services, DSS today briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the release, following negotiations, with the terrorists. As in past freedom deals, the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC was involved.
According to a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant(media) to the president, the release followed a series of negotiations as directed by President Buhari.
According to the brief given by the DSS, all the 13 rescued persons are in the custody of the service and are on their way to Abuja with the assistance of the Nigerian Army and the Air Force.
In expectation of their being brought to the DSS headquarters, a team of doctors and psychologists has been placed on standby. The rescued persons may be presented to the President and thereafter released to their families, if there are no issues of security or medical concerns.
The President, who got step by step progress reports on the lengthy negotiations while they took place, received the good news with a lot of happiness. He commended all those who in one way or the other helped in making the release possible.
He then urged the DSS and the Nigerian Army to intensify efforts to bring home the remaining Chibok Girls still in the custody of the terrorists.
The Director-General, Malam Lawal Daura, assured the President that they were working hard to bring home the remaining girls and, as soon as possible, bring the Chibok Girls saga to an end.
In a tweet, the Red Cross confirmed its role as an intermediary.
We @ICRC were not involved in negotiations leading to their release. Our neutrality does not allow our taking part in political negotiations. We act as neutral intermediary when requested to do so by the parties to the armed conflict.
— Eloi Fillion (@EFillionICRC) February 10, 2018
Today we @ICRC facilitated the handover – from the armed opposition to the Nigerian army – of 3 university professors and 10 police women in #Maiduguri #Borno #Nigeria. Happy for the families who are reunited with their loved ones after many months! ❤️ https://t.co/LrK1dFIGB2
— Eloi Fillion (@EFillionICRC) February 10, 2018
NAN
