Several news outlets report that the government of Nigeria and Boko Haram reached a cease-fire agreement that includes the release of the 219 girls abducted about 6 months ago.
From the Daily Telegraph:
More than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria are to be released after a ceasefire was agreed with the Islamist group.
The country's military and presidency independently claimed to have reached an agreement with Boko Haram leaders to introduce a ceasefire and ensure the return of the 219 girls.
They were taken captive in April, sparking international condemnation and a global campaign on social media entitled "Bring Back Our Girls" to lobby for their return.
Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, said: "A ceasefire agreement has been concluded between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram)."
From the
BBC:
Nigeria's chief of defence staff, Alex Badeh, made the announcement. Boko Haram has not made a public statement.
The military has struggled to defeat Boko Haram, which has been waging an insurgency in Nigeria since 2009.
The Islamist militant group sparked global outrage six months ago by abducting more than 200 schoolgirls.
They were seized in the north-eastern town of Chibok. The government has been criticised for failing to secure their release.
Nigerian presidential aide Hassan Tukur told BBC Focus on Africa that the agreement followed one month of negotiations, mediated by Chad.
He said Boko Haram had announced a unilateral ceasefire on Thursday and the government had responded.
"They've assured us they have the girls and they will release them," he said.