The Nigerian government has denied reports claiming the release of another set of 21 Chibok school girls abducted by Boko Haram.
Reports had claimed that the girls, who were kidnapped in April 2014, had been transported to Yola, Adamawa State, after their release on Thursday.
Presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu denied that more girls had been released.
“No new girls have been released,” Mr. Shehu tweeted. “To my friends spreading the news of a further release of Chibok Girls, we are not there yet. But, by God’s grace, they will be. Happy Christmas, everyone.”
Mr. Shehu said the 21 girls reported Thursday were those released in October. He said they were being escorted by security to Yola on their way home to celebrate the Christmas with their families.
“Today, the DSS took the 21 Girls already secured to Yola, Adamawa State on their way home to celebrate the Christmas with their families.
“The negotiations are ongoing and the Department of State Service, DSS is full of optimism that they will be successful,” he wrote.
