The Nigerian army are reported to be carrying out airstrikes against Boko Haram's bases, especially the town of Bama which had been captured by the militant group earlier this week.
A government official said "Bama today is the centre of the military battle with the terrorists... Boko Haram is being repelled by the Nigerian troops as we are talking now."
Bama's proximity to the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, has caused hundreds of civilians to flee the area, for fear that the city will be the next target.
See more on Reuters.