About 120 militant Islamists have been arrested in Nigeria's north-eastern city of Maiduguri, as they were organising the burial of a commander, an army spokesman has said.
The military has also recaptured five areas from the militants, he added.
There has been no independent confirmation of what the army has said.
President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three north-eastern states last week to quell the insurgency by the Boko Haram group.
It has carried out a wave of bombings and assassinations since 2009, saying it wants to establish an Islamic state across Nigeria.
A second Islamist group, Ansaru, joined the insurgency in 2012, taking foreigners hostage.
Officials say some 2,000 people have fled to neighbouring Niger, while more have crossed into Cameroon, since the army launched its offensive in the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe last week.
'Shallow graves'
Some 2,000 soldiers were deployed to the region last week, in the biggest campaign to date against the Islamist militants.
The army has said it is also sending an extra 1,000 troops to Adamawa state.
Militants fleeing towards neighbouring Chad and Niger are being "contained", military spokesman Chris Olukolade said, in a statement on Monday.
"Advancing troops also observed a few shallow graves believed to be those of hurriedly buried members of the terrorist groups," he added.
Brig Gen Olukolade said the 120 militants who were arrested were being interrogated, bringing to more than 200 the number of Islamists the army says it has arrested since last week.
The militants were seized as they were preparing for the funeral of a commander killed in a battle with government troops, Brig Gen Olukolade added.
The army had secured five towns and villages in remote parts of Borno state after "destroying all the terrorists camps" in the area, he said.
The military said last week it had carried out air strikes, destroying militant bases in Sambisa game reserve, south of Maiduguri, and elsewhere.
US Secretary of State John Kerry has urged the Nigerian army to show restraint and not violate human rights as it pursues the militants.
Mr Kerry said there were "credible allegations" of "gross human rights violations" by the Nigerian military.
Last November, Amnesty International accused Nigeria's security forces of carrying out widespread abuses in their campaign against Boko Haram, including extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture.
More than 2,000 people have died in violence in Nigeria since 2010, most of which is blamed on Boko Haram.
There has been growing concern that the group could be receiving backing from al-Qaeda-linked militants in other countries.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Nigeria’s Regional Development boss, Samuel Ogbuku nominated for Africa’s top award in Marrakesh.
1 hour -
Barcelona beat Atletico to set up Real Madrid final in Copa del Rey
3 hours -
Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana shortlists 48 for Pharma Excellence Awards
3 hours -
Top companies and individuals recognised at 8th Ghana-West Africa Healthcare Excellence Awards
4 hours -
‘All deducted E-Levy must be refunded immediately’ – GRA warns charging entities
4 hours -
‘No more E-Levy, effective immediately’ – GRA orders compliance with tax abolition
4 hours -
GAF probes alleged assault by soldiers in Kumasi; places officers under close arrest
4 hours -
Physical Planners commend Mahama for swift action on waterway demolitions
4 hours -
2025 budget prioritises health, but funding gaps remain – ARHR
5 hours -
Photos: IGP Yohuno seeks counsel with former IGPs
5 hours -
Energy and Green Transition Minister receives advisory report on private sector role in power distribution
5 hours -
Painter accused of stealing BoG cables granted GH₵1m bail
5 hours -
Mahama orders speedy desilting of Odaw drain to prevent flooding
5 hours -
Bono Regional Prison Commander honoured at a pull-out ceremony after 32 years of service
5 hours -
Kennedy Agyapong’s electoral perspective provides insight into Ghana’s political realities, not divisiveness
6 hours