Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck. Photo: Wiki Commons.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu offered to assist Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan in his country’s efforts to free over 300 schoolgirls who were captured by Islamic terrorists last month.

The Prime Minister’s pledge was made in a phone call on Sunday from Japan, where he is currently on a state visit, according to a statement.

“Israel expresses deep shock over the crime that has been committed against the girls,” the Prime Minister said, adding that “Israel is ready to assist in locating the girls and in fighting the brutal terrorism that is taking place in Nigeria.”

The girls, mostly teenagers, were kidnapped by the Boko Haram insurgent group from the Government Secondary School in the town of Chibok in Nigeria’s Borno State.

The plight of the victims and their families has garnered international attention.