FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016 file photo released by the Nigeria State House, Chibok schoolgirls recently freed from Islamic extremist captivity are seen during a meeting with Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja, Nigeria. Large numbers of Chibok schoolgirls seized three years ago by Boko Haram have been freed in exchange for detained suspects with the extremist group, Nigeria's government announced early Sunday, May 7, 2017 in the largest release negotiated yet in the battle to save nearly 300 girls whose mass abduction exposed the mounting threat posed by the Islamic State-linked fighters. After the initial release of 21 Chibok girls in October, the government denied making an exchange or paying ransom. (Sunday Aghaeze/Nigeria State House via AP, File) (The Associated Press)
ABUJA, Nigeria – A Nigerian official says more of the Chibok schoolgirls have been released three years after their abduction by Boko Haram extremists, though the exact number is not immediately known.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity late Saturday because they were not authorized to speak to reporters.
Nearly 200 of the schoolgirls had remained captive before this release.
Many of the girls seized from their boarding school were forced into marriages with fighters and became pregnant.
Nigeria's government in October announced the first negotiated release of 21 of the schoolgirls.
At the time, it said another group of 83 girls would be released "very soon."
The government has denied a ransom was paid and that it freed some detained Boko Haram fighters in exchange for the girls.