Western Powers to Send Troops to Nigeria Over Abducted Schoolgirls

Local Editor

Western powers, including the US, Britain, and France will be sending a number of troops to Nigeria in the next few days, saying that they will help in search for the more than 200 schoolgirls that have been abducted by Boko Haram in the country, according to the Pentagon as AP reported on Wednesday.

US Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren said fewer than 10 troops are being sent as part of the larger US assistance team to include State Department and Justice Department personnel. The military members will help with communications, logistics and intelligence-planning.

The team is part of a larger U.S. contingent that includes officials from the FBI and the departments of Defense, Justice and State.
Moreover, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, "We're moving swiftly to put in place a team ... that can provide military, law enforcement and information-sharing assistance in support of Nigeria's efforts to find and free the girls."

She added that, "The FBI stands ready to send additional personnel, to provide technical and investigatory assistance, including expertise on hostage negotiations and USAID is working with partners on what we can do to be ready to provide victims' assistance."

France's defense minister also said some 2,000 French troops will stay in Central African Republic at least until autumn.

Meanwhile, China has offered to send "satellite intelligence" to help Nigeria's army locate the girls, while Britain plans to send in a team of experts.
There are already about 70 military personnel in Nigeria, including 50 regularly assigned to the embassy, and 20 Marines have been there for training.
The police on Wednesday offered $300,000 for information leading to the rescue of the girls.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team