Nigerian Govt reaches ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram

Nigeria's military and an aid to President Goodluck Jonathan reached an agreement with Boko Haram leaders to introduce a ceasefire, and reportedly guaranteed the return of the 219 girls.

They were taken captive in April, sparking international condemnation and a global campaign on social media entitled "Bring Back Our Girls" to lobby for their return.

Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, said: "A ceasefire agreement has been concluded between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram)." Continue...

"I have accordingly directed the service chiefs to ensure immediate compliance with this development in the field."

Separately, Hassan Tukur, a presidential aid, told AFP an agreement to release the schoolgirls and end hostilities had been reached following two meetings with the militants.

The negotiations took place in neighbouring Chad, mediated by that country's President Idriss Deby, he said.

"Boko Haram issued the ceasefire as a result of the discussions we have been having with them," said Mr Tukur.

"They have agreed to release the Chibok girls," he continued, referring the town in north-east Nigeria from which girls had been taken.

There was, however, doubt cast over the validity of the claims after the government issued a statement that appeared to undermine Mr Tukur's claims that an agreeement had already been reached.

"We can confirm that there have been contacts between the government and representatives of Boko Haram," the National Information Centre statement said.

"The discussions are essentially in relation to the general insecurity in the North East and also the need to rescue all captives of the terrorists, including the students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.

"From the discussions, they indicated their desire for and willingness to discuss and resolve all associated issues.

"They also assured that the school girls and all other people in their captivity are all alive and well."

It will become clear what the real situation is in the coming days.