Boko Haram militants released 21 of the more than 200 girls the terrorist group originally kidnapped in 2014 in Chibok, Nigeria, the Nigerian government confirmed Thursday, Reuters reports.
"The release of the girls … is the outcome of negotiations between the administration and the Boko Haram brokered by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government," a statement by the presidency read. "The negotiations will continue."
Back in April 2014, some 270 girls were taken from their school in Chibok. Dozens managed to escape during the initial encounter, but more than 200 are still considered missing. The missing girls prompted worldwide outrage and sparked the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls.
According to Reuters, Nigeria's presidency gave no details on the deal but said that the 21 girls were very tired and would be resting in the custody of the national security agency. Afterward, the girls would be taken to Vice President Yemi Obinsajo, according to the statement. President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to travel to Germany Thursday.
Read more at Reuters.