Nigeria: Schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram freed

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - An unspecified number of schoolgirls recently abducted in northeastern Nigeria were freed early Wednesday, two security officials told Anadolu Agency, saying officials are yet to ascertain the tally.

At least 110 schoolgirls were taken away in February by Boko Haram militants, in what critics have described as a disappointing replay of the 2014 mass abduction of 276 schoolgirls from their dormitory.

“I can confirm, albeit unofficially, that the information is true. But we are not sure of the number of those freed. My men are on their way to Dapchi (the town where the abduction had taken place)," according to a security chief in northeastern Yobe state.

He asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Another security source confirmed the girls had been freed, saying: “That is all I can say for now because the details are still sketchy.”

Local website Sahara Reporters said 105 of the girls were freed while the remaining five were confirmed dead.

Nigerian authorities are yet to speak on the development.

This comes a day after Amnesty International slammed Nigeria over the abduction.