Douglas Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, commenting on the ongoing efforts to locate the abducted Nigerian schoolgirls, said:

“The international community has rightly condemned the appalling abduction of innocent schoolgirls in Nigeria by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

“Confirmation that the United States will now provide technical assistance to assist Nigeria’s authorities in their search is a very welcome step.

“The priority for the UK Government must now be to keep its offer of practical assistance to the Nigerian government on the table, to take forward urgent discussions with Nigeria about what assistance is most needed, and for Ministers to make a statement to Parliament about the ongoing situation.”