'Dozens' of insurgents killed in Nigeria offensive

LAGOS: A sweeping offensive against Boko Haram has left dozens of insurgents dead, the defence ministry spokesman told AFP Friday, as the military pressed on with air raids and ground assaults across three states.

"Dozens of the insurgents have likely been killed," Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said, without offering a precise figure.

He earlier told AFP that the military has been launching air strikes on Boko Haram camps since Wednesday, saying that "every one of their strongholds is under attack."

Several thousand soldiers have spread across three northeastern states where President Goodluck Jonathan imposed a state of emergency after Boko Haram seized territory and declared war against the government. (AFP)