Issues with Possible sighting of Boko Haram Abducted Girls in Central African Republic

Introduction

A report this morning in Punch newspaper suggests that the schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram may have been sighted in Central African Republic. While this may not be impossible a number of issues suggest its implausibility. Taking into consideration the distance between Chibok, Nigeria and Birao, Central Africa Republic covers around 2140km by driving brings to fore critical points. See the Google map below.

Chibok, Nigeria - Birao, Central African Republic possible routes

 Points of Interest

1.  According to the Punch newspaper report the suggestion is that over 200 girls were transported across 4 countries probably within a week or two.  There is no other media report to collaborate even though the report cited Jeune Afrique of Friday 09/05/2014 as its source.
2.  This surely fits into duration it took Abuja to react. Lack of reaction from Abuja may have help Boko Haram in this action as borders may be open without instructions for closure or for extra full spectrum surveillance. This will also include potential inability of Abuja to inform/seek neighbouring countries to assist for complementary border closures/surveillance.
3.  Excellent roads and maintained infrastructure are lacking along the possible routes. Nevertheless there maybe cross-country collaborators in each country probably contacted by satellite or mobile phone which should normally be tracked where resources is available. I doubt if deliberate exposure enroute for satellite capture will be tolerated by Boko Haram hence my view that areas with higher vegetation density offers better covers. Remember Joseph Kony and his Lord Resistance Army holed up in the Central African Region dense vegetation which US assistance has failed to spot for over a year now.
4. The already sparse population of the Sahelian/desert region carries reduced activities for various governments in the region.
5. Most of the governments along possible routes lack well resourced border infrastructures
6. At least 10 vehicles will be needed to transport the young women provided at least with fresh water and basic consumables. Transporting large number of individuals is not a trivial task including stopping at intervals to resupply/refill fuel and abductors needs. Abductors are human beings too.
7. As the victims are young women in shock for days, inadequate sanitary conditions may not be easy for (Boko Haram) male abductors to handle for days on end unless they have women members taking charge of such delicate requirements. It is difficult to project a trouble-free scenario for bandits in a hurry.
8. Considering large number of these young women, meeting their eating, drinking, health and sanitary requirements will surely generate waste which will be a burden and clue against their abductors.
9. There is no doubt that the general well being of the young women will be less satisfactory despite their resilience to live in the horrific circumstance and there is no suggestion that their abductors are professionals in abduction and long-term seclusion.
10. There is no merit for Boko Haram to keep the girls alive when their core objective is killing of innocent individuals so why did they border with this line of action?  In a way or two they are under pressure rather than seek extra attention of which their capital is huge.
11.  It is my conjecture that the risk, logistics, complexity of transporting huge numbers of individuals mostly women makes it implausible that the report is valid.

Therefore I conclude that on the face of weak evidence, the girls are still alive within NE Nigeria probably in the southern part or any location with easy access to fresh water, food and toilets probably a large wall dwelling in an urban area.