Boko Haram 'is al-Qaeda operation'

Boko Haram, which is holding more than 200 girls captive, is “acting clearly as an al-Qaida operation” and is no longer a local problem, Nigeria’s president says.

President Goodluck Jonathan joined four other African leaders and representatives of France, Britain and the US on Saturday to hammer out details of an international response to the Islamic extremist group.

French President Francois Hollande said the effort will involve sharing intelligence, protecting borders, and quick action in a crisis.

Mr Hollande also emphasised that Boko Haram had clearly established ties with other terror groups in Africa, making it a problem throughout the continent and beyond.

France, which has negotiated the freedom of a priest and a French family who had been abducted by Boko Haram, called the summit to share intelligence and work to find the kidnapped girls.

Officials have said there will be no Western military operation and Nigeria has only reluctantly accepted outside help.