Contrary to assertions from the Federal Government that the Chibok girls were released unconditionally, the Boko Haram sect have refused to go on with negotiations because the government has refused to pay more money for the release of the remaining girls.
A source said, “The insurgents’ negotiators appear to be asking for more money and release of some of their men in the government custody.
“They are not happy with the initial claim that the girls were released for free.”
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has however denied reports that talks between the government and Boko Haram has broken down.
Mohammed said, “It is not true. Talks are still very much on course.”
It will be recalled that a negotiator who was not involved in the release stated that a “handsome ransom” in the millions of dollars was paid by Switzerland’s government on behalf of Nigerian authorities.
But Swiss officials said no ransom had been paid, only confirming that they had played a neutral, humanitarian role in the operation.
Officials did deny reports citing Nigerian military officers that the 21 girls were swapped for four detained Boko Haram leaders.
“There was no exchange of any kind … No such thing took place,” said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.