Some of the world's most powerful nations are working together to find the approximately 223 missing girls kidnapped by Nigerian militant group Boko Haram.
The United States, United Kingdom, and France announced yesterday that they would aid in the search for the schoolgirls, many of whom were captured a month ago.
Ten U.S. military officials are expected to be in Abuja, Nigeria this week from the U.S. Africa Command in Germany. Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steve Warren said that the military personnel will provide logistical information to Nigerian officials, but will not participate in a rescue mission, according to Fox News.
Ten more officials will be sent from the FBI, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and the State Department.
France announced Wednesday that they will engage in a search and rescue mission for the kidnapped girls.
"In the face of such ignominy, France must react. This crime cannot be left unpunished," Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told French legislators.
British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague told NBC News that the U.K. will help Nigeria find the girls, possibly in the form of communications or operational assistance to the country.
Hague also condemned the acts of terrorism.
"Girls treated as spoils of war by Boko Haram in #Nigeria," he tweeted Tuesday. "Disgusting and immoral practice. Crucial to have accountability and justice."
China has also offered to assist in the search mission. According to the Wall Street Journal, the country offered satellite intelligence to Nigeria to help them locate the missing children.
A Boko Haram attack on Wednesday, May 7, killed as many as 300 people and injured dozens more in Gamboru Ngala, Nigeria.
On April 14, Boko Haram invaded an all-girls school in Chibok, Nigeria and forced over 270 girls into trucks. The militants then drove off into the forest. A second mass kidnapping occurred on May 4 in Warabe.
About 50 girls have escaped the Boko Haram.
Yesterday, Nigerian officials offered a $310,000 reward for information leading to the return of the girls.
