Statement by Sen. McCain on Efforts to Free Nigerian Girls Kidnapped by Terrorist Group Boko Haram

Statement

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on efforts to free the 200 young Nigerian girls kidnapped by the terrorist group Boko Haram:

"I continue to believe the United States should take every necessary and appropriate action to free the young Nigerian girls that the terrorist group Boko Haram has kidnapped and is threatening to sell into slavery. We should devote more of our national capabilities to help our Nigerian partners in locating the girls. And if we get actionable intelligence about where they are being held, we should send U.S. Special Forces to rescue them -- with the approval and cooperation of the Nigerian government and security forces if possible, but without them if necessary.

"Tweets and hashtags are appreciated. They may make people feel better, but they do not liberate prisoners. That duty rests with those that have the power and influence to make a difference -- none more so than the United States.

"We should help our Nigerian partners to fulfill their responsibilities to their own citizens. But we must also recognize that our great power confers a special responsibility on us. If the most powerful nation in the history of the world has an opportunity to prevent a crime against humanity and save more than 200 young girls from lives of certain misery, what would it say about us if we did not act?"

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