DHAKA: Pakistani rights activist Malala Yousafzai is meeting Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan to press for more action to free the more than 200 girls held by militant Islamists.

The militants’ leader has reiterated in a new video message that he is prepared to negotiate a prisoner swap for them.

He also expressed support for Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-declared caliph of a new Middle Eastern state.

Boko Haram sparked a global outcry when it abducted the girls three months ago.

Correspondents say that Jonathan’s government has faced strong criticism for not doing enough to curb violence by Boko Haram, especially in the wake of the kidnappings.

Malala has already met relatives of the girls, expressing solidarity with them at a meeting in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Sunday.

‘I can feel... the circumstances under which you are suffering,’ Malala said, reports the BBC.

‘It’s quite difficult for a parent to know that their daughter is in great danger. My birthday wish this year is... bring back our girls now, and alive.’

BDST: 1939 HRS, JUL 14, 2014