Abuja: Two divisions of the Nigeria’s army have been posted to search for 200 schoolgirls abducted last month by Islamist rebels in an attack condemned globally, including by US first lady Michelle Obama. The soldiers are stationed in the border region close to Chad, Cameroon and Niger to work with other security agencies, the Defence Headquarters spokesman said.
Earlier this month, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau threatened to sell the girls “in the market”. The air force has flown more than 250 sorties, and a multinational task force has also been activated and surveillance equipment is deployed in support of 10 teams, he said. However, on Saturday, US first lady Michelle Obama had condemned the kidnapping terming it an “unconscionable act”, the US on Sunday said that it has no plans to send troops to Nigeria to help recover the schoolgirls.
“There’s no intention, at this point, to (put) American boots on the ground,” US defence secretary Chuck Hagel told ABC television’s This Week program. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has offered Nigeria help on Sunday in locating the 200 schoolgirls. “We are ready to help in finding the girls,” Mr Netanyahu was quoted as saying by his office.
