Johannesburg: The Nigerian government and the Boko Haram are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a deal on freeing 219 schoolgirls who were kidnapped by the notorious Islamist group five months back.
According to News 24, the reports said government and Boko Haram representatives had held secret talks sponsored by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
As per the deal, the girls will be released in exchange for 18 Boko Haram commanders who are lodged in various prisons across the country.
The girls were kidnapped from their school`s dormitory in the town of Chibok, in north-eastern Borno State, on 14 April.
The abduction of the girls has generated worldwide condemnation.
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