Lawmakers Pledge US Aid in Fighting Boko Haram

The United States will assist Nigeria in its fight against the radical Islamic Boko Haram.

Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas, made the announcement Sunday following a classified briefing in the Nigerian capital. He did not specify what action will be taken.

"We stand ready to help and as soon as our government and Nigerian government approve, we will take action," the Texas lawmaker said.

Last week, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said U.S. forces are training a battalion of Nigerian troops to fight the terrorist group.

 "The international community can and must play a robust supporting role especially in the area of intelligence and counterinsurgency training," he said.

The radical Islamic group, which seeks to establish an Islamic state in northern Nigeria, drew international condemnation for kidnapping 300 schoolgirls in April.