"We have 25 dead from yesterday's attacks in Ganye which included a chief prison warder, a policeman and a prominent politician, " Adamawa state police chief Mohammed Ibrahim was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

BBC: Nigerian town of Ganye hit by deadly attacks

The move is in conjunction with the country's state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, and it is intended to end insurgent activities.

CNN: 'Massive' numbers of Nigerian troops target insurgents

Last week, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three north-eastern states - Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe - after a series of deadly attacks by militant groups.

BBC: Nigeria: Boko Haram in disarray, says army