Audio By Carbonatix
Nigeria's military says it has agreed a truce with Islamist militant group Boko Haram and the schoolgirls it has abducted will be released.
Nigeria's chief of defence staff, Alex Badeh, made the announcement. Boko Haram has not made a public statement.
The military has struggled to defeat Boko Haram, which has been waging an insurgency in Nigeria since 2009.
The Islamist militant group sparked global outrage six months ago by abducting more than 200 schoolgirls.
They were seized in the north-eastern town of Chibok. The government has been criticised for failing to secure their release.
Nigerian presidential aide Hassan Tukur told BBC Focus on Africa that the agreement followed one month of negotiations, mediated by Chad.
He said Boko Haram had announced a unilateral ceasefire on Thursday and the government had responded.
"They've assured us they have the girls and they will release them," he said.
"I am cautiously optimistic."
Latest Stories
-
University of Ghana points to student leaders over 25% fee hike
37 minutes -
Merger of local gov’t, chieftaincy and religious affairs strategic reform – Minister
50 minutes -
Wuthering Heights to The Odyssey: 16 of the most exciting films coming up in 2026
59 minutes -
Watch how Ofoase-Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah wowed the crowd as guest DJ at Joy FM’s 90’s Jam
2 hours -
Joy FM’s sold-out 90’s Jam ignites Dzorwulu with throwback fashion and unrivalled energy
3 hours -
Pure 90’s gold: Joy FM does it again!
3 hours -
Joy FM’s 90s Jam delivers electrifying night of rhythm and nostalgia at Pleasant Gardens
4 hours -
Talensi: Missing man found deadÂ
5 hours -
Driven by the people, fueled by belief: Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan hope to continue writing AFCON story
5 hours -
DVLA warns motorists over incomplete vehicle ownership transfers
7 hours -
Stephen Kingsley Bennieh supports widows, widowers and vulnerable families in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai
7 hours -
Fire ravages shops at Kwame Nkrumah Circle as fighters battle to contain flames
8 hours -
Joy FM’s 90’s Jam is underway at Pleasant Gardens with massive crowds and retro vibes
9 hours -
Provide clear recruitment timeline for 2022, 2023 trained teachers – TTAG urges gov’t
9 hours -
Former MMDCEs appeal to President Mahama over delayed end-of-service benefits
10 hours