Boko Haram, the Islamic extremists who threatened to topple towns across Nigeria in order to establish their own rule and are responsible for the kidnapping of 200 schoolgirls in March this year, agreed to a ceasefire and to release the girls Friday.

The BBC reported that Nigeria's chief of defense staff, Alex Badeh, announced the truce, including a ceasefire between the two, but no word has been heard from Boko Haram, including a public statement of any type.

Boko Haram has wreaked havoc on the country since 2009, when it first began an insurgency. At least 2,000 civilians have been reportedly killed this year alone.

In March, they caught international attention for the kidnapping of about 200 schoolgirls from the northern region of Chibok. Some of the girls escaped since then, but it sparked global outreach and outrage and the social media hashtag -- #BringBackOurGirls -- went viral.

The hashtag was so popular that political campaigners supporting the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathon used poor judgment in a short-lived advertisement with the hashtag #BringBackGoodluck. The president quickly ordered the banners be taken down.

The ceasfire and truce Friday was mediated by Chad and took place between Nigeria and Cameroon, who had some troubles along the shared border.

Some remain cautious and concerned that despite the announcement, Boko Haram has not released their own statement or any kind of public acknowledgment. The meetings did take place with the agreement of Abubakar Shekau, the militant leader.

Nigerian presidential aide Hassan Tukur told BBC Focus on Africa, "They've assured us they have the girls and they will release them. I am cautiously optimistic."

Details about the release of the girls will be discussed at a second meeting, which is slated to take place next week in Chad's capital, Ndjamena.

Under the agreement, the government would gain back control of territory lost during the insurgency, but does not have to reveal the concessions it would be making to Boko Haram.

Nigeria has been devastated in recent months between fighting two battles: Boko Haram and the Ebola virus.

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