Chibok Girls: Swap of Boko Haram detainees a political decision – CDS

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By; Sunday Ode, Abuja.
The military vowed on Monday to sustain its bombardment of Boko Haram targets in the North East despite suggestions by the insurgent group that its detainees be swaped with the Chibok Girls they abducted in April 2014.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Gabriel Olonisakin who made the declaration after a meeting of security chiefs at the State House, Abuja, stated that the decicision whether to release the detained insurgents could only be taken at the political level.
The Boko Haram insurgents had released a video at the weekend showing some of the abducted school girls and demanding the release of the fellow fighters in exchange for the girls.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents, he said: “That is a political decision to be taken. The military decision is that we are going ahead with our operations. The operation is being conducted appropriately.”
Also speaking with the correspondents, Information Minister, Lai Mohammed  pointed out that “The government’s position is clear that we are in touch with them (insurgents).
“We are just being careful and cautious to ensure that we are talking to the right people especially with the news that there is a split in the leadership.
“But what is important is the safety and security of these girls.”
On the swap of detainees, he noted that “Until you are able to ascertain the authenticity of those you are talking to, you don’t go into details.”

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