14/05/2014

UK To Send Spy Plane To Aid Nigeria Schoolgirls Search

Prime Minister David Cameron has offered to send a spy plane to Nigeria to help in the search for more than 200 girls abducted by Islamic extremist militants Boko Haram on 14 April.

Mr Cameron said authorities were investing in counter-terrorism and training their army as the Military of Defence confirmed the surveillance aircraft offered to Nigeria was a RAF Sentinel R1 spy plane, which has a crew of five.

The prime minister also said a global fund would be established to protect schools.

It is understood that some UK experts have already been sent to help in the search, providing planning help and advice on co-ordination to the local authorities.

Nigerian' authorities had been criticised over their slow response against the kidnappings.

Mr Cameron said to MPs about the Nigerian' authorities: "They do face a very vicious terrorist organisation in terms of Boko Haram, they are investing in and training their armed forces and counter-terrorism abilities."

He added: "We have worked with them on that and we are willing to do more work with them on that, particularly if we can make sure that proper processes are in place for dealing with human rights areas."

(CVS)

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