Nigerian authorities offered a $310,000 reward for information leading to the return of 276 schoolgirls abducted last month by the Boko Haram terror group.

The reward came the same day reports emerged of an attack by the Islamic terror squad that claimed the lives of at least 150 people. Eight more girls were kidnapped during the raid. 

From CNN:

It also comes as U.S. officials are preparing to send law enforcement and military assistance to help find the girls, who were abducted on April 14.

“While calling on the general public to be part of the solution to the present security challenge, the Police High Command also reassures all citizens that any information given would be treated anonymously and with utmost confidentiality,” the Nigeria Police Force said in a statement.

President Goodluck Jonathan has come under fire after waiting three weeks to publicly acknowledge the kidnappings in northern Nigeria, where Boko Haram is rampant.

His administration, however, is defending its response — even as details emerged Tuesday about a second mass kidnapping.

Read more at CNN

A spokesman for the president of Nigeria stated that helicopters and planes have searched 250 locations for the missing girls, with more troops on the way.

Nigeria’s President also accepted an offer by the U.S. military to help with the search for the girls. That help includes the creation a a “coordination cell,” which will provide intelligence, investigations and hostage negotiations expertise.

Check back for updates.

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