Boko Haram militants are on the back foot, according to Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who said the tide had “definitely turned” against the group, as troops from the region recapture territory.
"The president assures all Nigerians and the people of the north-eastern states in particular that the days of mourning victims of incessant terrorist attacks in the country will soon be over as the tide has now definitely turned against Boko Haram," Mr Jonathan's office said in a statement.
Troops from Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon have been involved in heavy fighting with Boko Haram. Eight major towns have been recaptured by those forces in recent weeks.
Meanwhile two commercial centres in the north of the country were hit by bombings, killing 27 people. Mr Jonathan said the group had hit "soft targets" because of the recent setbacks.
Nigeria retakes town from Boko Haram (21 February 2015)
Boko Haram lose control of key town (16 Feb 2015)
Niger to send troops to fight Boko Haram (10 Feb 2015)