FG ‘won’t swap’ Boko Haram prisoners for Chibok girls

The federal government says it will not subject the release of the 219 girls still in the hands of Boko Haram to swap.

In an electronic message by the public communications division of the ministry of foreign affairs on Monday,  it however reaffirmed its willingness to dialogue with the terror group.

“The government has continuously restated its position and willingness to dialogue with the sect. To demonstrate this fact, it set up the Turaki committee, which went round the country, especially the northeast, with a view to eliciting a discussion with members of the sect,” read the statement.

“It would however not subject the release of the girls to prisoner swap. Although it has remained committed to dialogue, it will explore only the best options possible and available to it with a view to achieving the release of the girls and stopping insurgency in its track. Towards this end, it recently set up a presidential fact-finding committee that has submitted its report, which is being studied for speedy implementation.”

The government restated that it knew where the girls were being held and would ensure that they remained within the country and rescued alive.

“Having known where the girls are, the effort of government is to ensure that they remain within the border of Nigeria, and that they are eventually rescued alive. And this goes with a lot of planning, evaluation and assessment of prevailing situation within the general mission area,” it said.

“This is in line with international best practices in respect to such operations. Therefore, we urge all citizens of the world, particularly the parents, members of the Chibok community and Nigerians to be patient and supportive of the effort of government.

“What is clear is the readiness and willingness of government to deploy assets and resources towards rescuing the children. The parents, the Chibok community are assured and they have no reason to doubt that government and Nigerians are with them in this ordeal.”

On the welfare and well-being of the abducted girls, the Nigerian government said: “We have no reason to believe otherwise and we understand that the abductors are guided by a firm religious belief that abhors the mistreatment of women, especially girls and children in captivity. In this case, the children might be used as human shield, which is understandable but regrettably so.”

It assured Nigerians that it would not play politics with their lives and that of non-citizens resident in the country, especially those in harm’s way.

On the $1 billion loan being sought by the FG to boosts the fight against insurgency, the statement explained: “All countries do it and besides it’s a long-term facility that will enable the government of Nigeria to purchase equipment towards retooling and re-kiting its forces. It is an essential part of military strategy to restock depleting assets once in a while.

“Although the effort will reinforce the fight against insurgency, it is a long-term capacity enhancement approach for training, kiting and arsenal buildup for primary security reasons. Don’t forget Nigeria has the strongest armed forces in the region, which has been called upon several times to help find and build peace in several countries in Africa, Asia among others.”