The Nigerian military is set to begin a major operation against terrorists who are reportedly holding some 276 young girls.
The major military operation is expected to begin near the Sambisa Forest in Nigeria, where the Nigerian government believes terrorists are holding the girls.
According to Fox News, the girls were abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, in northeast Nigeria, as Borno State Police said that the girls have been held for 17 days.
Their captors are believed to be from the Boko Haram terror group, which is known to hideout in the Sambisa Forest.
According to reports, four battalions from various national military divisions are expected to storm the Sambisa Forest, taking positions around all its access routes.
The government has also mobilized Nigerian Air Force fighter jets and police surveillance helicopters, which are waiting for the command to begin joint security operations to rescue the girls, the report said.
By surrounding all roads to in and out of the forest, the military is hoping to trap the militants and prevent their escape.
Specially trained counter terrorist units and land mine and anti-bomb experts will also help with rescue efforts.
In addition to military troops, the government has set up medical personnel, facilities, and ambulances to attend to any injuries sustained in the mission, the report said.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan reiterated his determination to bring the Boko Haram insurgency to an end, vowing that the abducted girls must be found and rescued.
Parents said the girls, aged between 16 and 18, are being sold into marriage to Boko Haram militants for 2,000 naira, Halite Aliyu of the Borno-Yobe People's Forum said.
