The presidency has denied report that another 21 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram from their school have been released by their abductors.

Media reports had claimed that another 21 girls were freed on Thursday and were brought to Yola International Airport in Yola, Adamawa State capital around 3 pm on Thursday.

But presidential spokesman Garba Shehu said the girls seen at the airport were the ones earlier released in October.

“No new girls have been released but by God’s grace, they will be. Happy Christmas, everyone,” Shehu said. “Today, the DSS took the 21 Girls already secured to Yola, Adamawa State on their way home to celebrate the Christmas with their families,” Shehu explained.

He, however, confirmed that negotiations for the release of more of the kidnapped girls were still ongoing.

“The negotiations are ongoing and the Department of State Service, DSS is full of optimism that they will be successful.

More than 200 kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls held since April 14, 2014, by Boko Haram. 21 of the girls were released on October 13 in a deal brokered by the International Committee of Red Cross and the Swiss government.

The federal government said a day after their release that it was negotiating with a faction of Boko Haram for the release of additional release 83 girls.

“These 21 released girls are supposed to be talebearers to tell the Nigerian government that this faction of Boko Haram has 83 more Chibok girls,” said presidential spokesman Garba Shehu.

“The faction said it is ready to negotiate if the government is willing to sit down with them,” said Shehu, adding that the state is prepared to negotiate with the branch of Boko Haram.