US flying aircraft over Nigeria in hunt for girls

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A Nigerian government official says “all options are open” in the search for missing schoolgirls that’s supported by U.S. surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flying over Nigeria .

The U.S and Britain are actively assisting Nigeria’s government to find the abducted girls, sending equipment and experts to the West African country that’s facing a growing threat of homegrown Islamic extremism.

Boko Haram, the militant group holding the girls, says in a new video that the girls will only be freed after the government releases jailed militants.

Although Nigeria’s government had initially suggested there would be no negotiations with Boko Haram, that stance may be relaxed.

Mike Omri , the director of Nigeria’s National Orientation Agency , said late Monday that the government will “use whatever kind of action” it takes to free the girls.

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