News: Chibok schoolgirls to be released after Nigeria strikes a deal with Boko Haram

A deal has been reached to secure the release of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamic militants in Nigeria, the country's military and president said today. 

President Goodluck Jonathan's Principal Secretary Hassan Tukur said an agreement to end hostilities with Boko Haram had been reached following talks.

He said around 200 girls kidnapped six months ago from a school in the northeast town of Chibok would be released as part of the deal. 

In a separate announcement, Chief of Defence Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh 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).' 

Boko Haram has been demanding the release of detained extremists in exchange for the girls.

The group attracted international condemnation with the April kidnapping of nearly 300 girls from a boarding school in northeast Chibok town. 

Dozens escaped but 219 remain missing.