French President Francois Hollande has warned that Boko Haram poses a threat to security beyond Nigeria's borders, at a summit to discuss the kidnap of more than 200 schoolgirls by the group, BBC News reported.

Hollande told reporters that the organisation had "links to all terrorist organisations active in Africa".

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said Boko Haram's aims had changed from those of a "local terror group" and that it was "operating clearly as an al-Qaeda terror organisation".

He also re-affirmed his commitment to finding the kidnapped girls.