Governement May Swap Insurgent's Wives And Children For Abducted Girls

Federal Government might release the so-called "soft detainees" of Boko Haram members in exchange for Chibok girls abducted on April 14.

Soft detainees are insurgents' wives and children kept in various facilities nationwide.

The Nation quoted its top source as saying:

"The government may consider the release of only soft detainees in line with international rules of engagement... They are vulnerable people for whom the rules of engagement allow some human rights waivers."

Describing the move as continuation of a similar approval by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013, the source said the talks are "still at the level of contemplation" adding that there will "certainly" be no outright swapping for Boko Haram militants who are serving their terms.

When asked about the stage of the find-and-rescue operation the source responded:

"Up till now, it is still at the level of intelligence gathering, to locate where they are kept. Once the area or camp is located, it will not take less than six hours to liberate the girls. We have got intelligence report that most of these girls are alive but we are trying our best to locate the exact spot of the camp or camps where they are held hostage."

Nearly 300 school girls were abducted last month in Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram insrugents. Some of them quickly escaped, but the majority are still kept in captivity. Weeks after the kidnap, terrorist group leader Abubakar Shekau gave the option to swap girls for Boko Haram prisoners, which was first allegedly opposed by the authorities. Countries from all over the world have joined Nigeria in effort to rescue the female students missing for more than a month already.

Source: Legit.ng