BEIJING, April 16 -- China on Wednesday condemned an incident in Nigeria in which more than 100 schoolgirls were kidnapped by armed gunmen and voiced firm support for the Nigerian government.

China strongly condemns and opposes terrorism in all forms, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, referring to the raid on the Girls College in Chibok Town in northeastern Nigeria on Monday.

"We urge the immediate release of those innocent students, and assurance of their safety," Hua said at a regular press briefing.

She added that China, as Nigeria's strategic cooperative partner, will continue to firmly support the Nigerian government to safeguard its national security and stability.