Buhari Assures Malala, ‘Chibok Girls Will Return Home Safely’

Buhari was responding to a letter written to him by Ms. Yousafzai urging the Nigerian government to do more in bringing the missing girls home.

President Buhari in a letter on December 10, 2017, said while he cannot divulge the details of ongoing negotiations to secure the release of the girls due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, gave the assurance “of the doggedness, commitment and sincerity of the Nigeria’s Federal Government towards ensuring the safe return of the Chibok girls, and indeed all others still in captivity.”

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who signed the letter on the president’s behalf said the gallant troops of the Nigerian military have recently scored a great victory by seizing control of the Sambisa Forest, the last stronghold of the Boko Haram elements who are responsible for the kidnap of the Chibok girls.

He, however, said that in line with his pledge that Boko Haram will not be considered defeated without the rescue of the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by the insurgents, the military, the State Security Service and the other security agencies are intensifying their efforts to ensure freedom for all those who remain in captivity.

On the welfare of the 21 Chibok girls who regained their freedom on 13 Oct. 2016, the President said the Federal Government has taken over the responsibility for their personal, educational and professional goals and ambitions in life.

“They are being given comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological care and support, and anyone who has seen them in recent times will attest to the fact that their reintegration back to the society is progressing well.”