Talks Under Way With 'Senior Leaders' of Boko Haram for Return of Kidnapped Nigerian Girls
EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian officials have begun talks for return of kidnapped girls.
May 13, 2014— -- ABUJA, NIGERIA -- In an exclusive interview with ABC News this morning, the chairman of the Nigerian president's Boko Haram "Dialogue Committee" Kabiru Tanimu Turaki confirmed that talks are under way with the senior leadership of Boko Haram.
He would not confirm or deny whether these talks are with the specific individuals holding the kidnapped girls, but would only say they are "senior leaders."
Kabiru made a distinction between "talking" and "negotiating," noting that at this point they are not negotiating for the return of Boko Haram prisoners in return for the girls. According to the Nigerian Interior Ministry, there are more than 4,000 Boko Haram members currently detained.
Importantly, Kabiru did not rule out negotiations, saying in a notably ambiguous manner that "from time to time there is a need" to talk about things.
He said he is confident a peaceful, negotiated solution can be found.