Nigerian official upbeat on retaking of Boko Haram's stronghold

A Nigerian senator from restive northeastern state of Borno has expressed optimism that the military will "liberate Gwoza town, a strong hold of Boko Haram, very soon".

"In the last five weeks, the military had performed creditably by reclaiming 22 communities from the insurgents," Mohammed Ndume told reporters on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

"I believe the remaining communities will be reclaimed in the shortest possible time," the senator said.

Gwoza, about 135 kilometers south of Maiduguri, is seized by Boko Haram last year.

In the past month, Nigeria has reported success in retaking towns and villages from Boko Haram, including the town of Bama in Borno state.

The offensive is being aided by forces from Niger, Cameroon and Chad, all of which have suffered Boko Haram attacks on their territory.

Boko Haram is blamed for thousands of deaths in Nigeria since launching its insurgency in 2009. The group is allegedly fighting to establish an Islamic state in northern Nigeria. Enditem