U.S. Issues Statement Supporting the Safe Return of Those Kidnapped and Abused by Boko Haram

Press Statement
Mark C. Toner
Deputy Department of State Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 12, 2016

As we approach the second anniversary of the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian girls from their school in Chibok, the United States again calls for the immediate release, without preconditions, of all hostages held by Boko Haram. The kidnapping of these young women, along with the kidnappings of countless others by Boko Haram, epitomizes this terrorist group’s depravity.

The United States continues to assist the Nigerian government’s efforts to locate and bring home all those who have been kidnapped by Boko Haram with intelligence and advisory support. The United States is also delivering over $240 million in development and humanitarian assistance across the Lake Chad Basin region to provide conflict-affected populations and refugees with transitional assistance, psycho-social services, health programs, and emergency education for children displaced by violence.