DHAKA: Nigeria is ready to talk to Islamist militants Boko Haram for the release of more than 200 abducted schoolgirls.

A minister has told the BBC.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau said on Monday that captured girls who have not converted to Islam can be swapped for jailed fighters.

Special Duties Minister Tanimu Turaki said that if Shekau was sincere, he should send representatives for talks.

The girls were abducted last month from a school in north-eastern Nigeria.

A video emerged on Monday showing about 130 of the girls reciting Koranic verses.

Turaki, who is chairman of a committee set up by president Goodluck Jonathan to find ways of reconciling with Boko Haram, said that Shekau should send people he trusts to meet the standing committee on reconciliation.

BDST: 2135 HRS, MAY 13, 2014