7 Reasons why Boko Haram released 21 schoolgirls

There could be no better news today than the

According to reports, the 21 Chibok girls were released early hours of Thursday, October 13, 2016.

Garba Shehu, spokesman to President Muhammadu Buhari who confirmed the report said the names would be released soon.

Pulse lists seven reasons the 21 Chibok girls were released by the Boko Haram sect.

1. Negotiation: There is no doubt about this. The Boko Haram terrorists would not have voluntarily released the 21 Chibok girls to the federal government without some form of negotiation.

"The release of the girls, in a limited number, is the outcome of negotiations between the administration and the Boko Haram," Shehu said.

2. Swap: There are allegations that four top Boko Haram militants were released in exchange for the 21 Chibok girls. Although the minister of information, Lai Mohammed has dismissed this claim, some Nigerians are of the opinion that 21 of the 218 girls could not have been released without the federal government giving in to some conditionalities which may include the release of some Boko Haram members.

3. Condition of the girls: It has been reported that 18 of the 21 girls who were released are nursing mothers. It is more difficult to cater for pregnant and lactating mothers than the rest of the girls who are not in the same condition.

4. Involvement of some international organisations: President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier stated that the federal government would negotiate with the Boko Haram sect through some international organisations.

While confirming this, Buhari's spokesman stated that the release of the girls was "brokered by the and the ." He also noted that negotiations will continue.

5. Reduced public outcry and protests: Protest and public outcry for the release of the Chibok girls has reduced over the past few weeks.

Recall that Aisha Wakil (nicknamed ) had in an exclusive interview with Pulse said that the protests which followed the abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014 led to their delayed release.

Wakil said: "It did not take long, then the noise started 'Chibok girls, Chibok girls. So they called me to ask if Chibok girls have become gold and diamond. And they decided that they won’t release anyone. The protest was so much. They told me ‘Mama, we saw Obama’s wife on television with #BringBackOurGirls placard.’ When the noise became too loud, they became bold and said they would not release them. They began to call the girls ‘Our golden Chibok girls.’ If only everybody kept quiet and just see them the same way others were kidnapped, they would have been back a long time ago," she added.

6. Military action in Sambisa: Sambisa forest, home of Boko Haram terrorists has not been as peaceful as it used to be in recent days following military bombardment in the area by the military.

The Nigerian Airforce and Army have continually challenged the peace of the game reserve which was taken over by the Boko Haram sect. As the terrorists struggle to remain alive during such times, protecting these girls may be more difficult hence their release.

7. Recession: One cannot possibly rule out the fact that the current economic situation in the country may have necessitated the release of the 21 Chibok girls.

Some Nigerians have also predicted the release of more girls in the coming days if the economic situation fails to improve.