Nigeria's military said Thursday that it was ready to launch air strikes against Boko Haram Islamists as several thousand troops moved to the remote northeast to retake territory seized by the insurgents.

"The entire Nigerian military is involved in this operation, including the air force," defence spokesman Brigadier General Chris Olukolade told AFP.

"Definitely, air strikes will be used when necessary," he said.

A force of "several thousand" soldiers along with fighter jets and helicopter gunships have been deployed for the offensive in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa state, he added.

The operation follows President Goodluck Jonathan's decision to a impose a state of emergency in all three areas as he admitted that Boko Haram had "taken over" territory in the northeast and declared war against the government.

The Islamists, who have said they are fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north, have become emboldened and better armed in recent months.

The military spokesman said operations had begun in all three states, but declined to provide specifics.

mickyarams: Good! What took the government so long? Destroy those illiterate bastards and obliterate their encampments.
God bless Nigeria.

seye4nii: use chemical weapon sef if necessary??

seye4nii: use chemical weapon sef if necessary??