AKIPRESS.COM - Nigerian troops, backed by air strikes, have reclaimed the towns of Monguno and Marte from Boko Haram, BBC reports citing a military statement.

Meanwhile, Cameroon says its army has killed more than 80 Boko Haram soldiers and arrested 1,000 of their supporters.

Niger also claimed on Monday to have arrested 160 people with links to Boko Haram since 6 February.

Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger recently formed a military coalition against the Islamist militants.

Representatives from the four countries are currently in the Cameroonian capital of Yaounde with other African leaders to discuss how best to tackle Boko Haram.

In recent months, Boko Haram had seized control of much of Nigeria's north-east, amid widespread criticism of the Nigerian army.

But backed by its neighbours, especially Chad, some territory has been recaptured in recent weeks.

However, the coalition has had setbacks too. A spokesperson for Cameroon's defence ministry said five soldiers were killed in the recent clashes with Boko Haram.