In a video released by Boko Haram, leader Abubakar Shekau spoke of releasing the kidnapped schoolgirls in exchange for the release of “brothers” jailed in various Nigerian cities. Borno state governor Kashim Shettima claimed to have given authorities information on the whereabouts of the kidnapped schoolgirls. A joint military operation to recover the girls commences this week. Police in Plateau state arrested a man suspected of spying for Boko Haram at a police barracks in Jos. Reports claimed that in 2013 the US ignored Nigeria’s requests for help in combating Boko Haram. US intelligence indicates linkage between Boko Haram and al Qaeda.
