The United States today said that it is concerned that many of the 276 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped in northern Nigeria three weeks ago have been moved out of the country.
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf shared Washington's assessment after local officials in northeastern Nigerian told AFP the girls had likely been taken to nearby Chad or Cameroon.
The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for taking the girls from school, and its leader Abubakar Shekau declared his plan to sell them as slaves in a video released today.
Harf said Washington provides Nigeria with "counter-terrorism assistance" in the form of intelligence sharing and was standing by to assist "in any way we think that is appropriate.
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf shared Washington's assessment after local officials in northeastern Nigerian told AFP the girls had likely been taken to nearby Chad or Cameroon.
The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for taking the girls from school, and its leader Abubakar Shekau declared his plan to sell them as slaves in a video released today.
Also Read
"Many of them have likely been moved out of the country to neighbouring countries," Harf said, responding to reporters' questions as news of the abduction began to climb up the world news agenda.
Harf said Washington provides Nigeria with "counter-terrorism assistance" in the form of intelligence sharing and was standing by to assist "in any way we think that is appropriate.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%