Israel offers to help Nigeria find abducted Chibok girls

(Reuters) – Israel offered Nigeria help on Sunday in locating 200

schoolgirls abducted last month by Islamist rebel group Boko Haram in an

attack that has drawn global condemnation and prompted some Western powers

to provide assistance.
“Israel expresses deep shock at the crime against the girls,” Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office quoted him as telling Nigerian

President Goodluck Jonathan by phone. “We are ready to help in finding the

girls and fighting the cruel terrorism inflicted on you.”

The statement did not elaborate on how Israel might enlist in the search,

with which British and U.S. experts are also helping. A spokesman for

Israel's Foreign Ministry said he knew of no cooperation efforts under

way.
Israel has defense ties with Nigeria, and has provided it in the past with

surveillance drones. Last September, Israel was among several countries

that sent advisers to Kenya to assist in a stand-off with Islamist gunmen

who attacked a mall in Nairobi.