Three lecturers of the University of Maiduguri kidnapped by the terrorists group, Boko Haram, during a mining exploration last year have been set free.
The terrorists also released 10 women kidnapped in a raid by the militant group on a military/police convoy on Damboa Road, near Maiduguri.
The Department of State Services, DSS, made this known on Saturday when briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the release.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the DSS disclosed that the release resulted from negotiations with the terrorists.
He said that as it was the case in the past where some of the people in the custody of the terrorists were released as a result of negotiation, the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, was involved.
Shehu said according to the brief given by the DSS, all 13 rescued persons were in the custody of the service and were on their way to Abuja with the assistance of the Nigerian Army and the Air Force.
He said in expectation of their being brought to the DSS headquarters, a team of doctors and psychologists had been placed on standby.
Read also: Boko Haram: Troops commence road construction in Sambisa Forest
He said the rescued persons might be presented to the president and thereafter released to their families if there were no issues of security or medical concerns.
“The President, who got step by step progress reports on the lengthy negotiations while they took place, received the good news with a lot of happiness. He commended all those who in one way or the other helped in making the release possible.
“He then urged the DSS and the Nigerian Army to intensify efforts to bring home the remaining Chibok Girls still in the custody of the terrorists,” Shehu said.
He also revealed that the Director-General, Malam Lawal Daura, assured the president that they were working hard to bring home the remaining girls and, as soon as possible, bring the Chibok Girls saga to an end.
