He spoke haltingly to Borno state Gov. Kashim Shettima in the Kanuri language of Nigeria's northeast, surrounded by still-frightened villagers.

NPR: Officials: At Least 185 Killed In Nigeria Attack

Spokesman Lt Col Sagir Musa said the "fortified" camps were in a forest and a game reserve in Borno State.

BBC: Boko Haram crisis: Nigeria raids 'kill 17 militants'

The BBC has also received reports of civilians fleeing remote areas in Borno State and arriving in towns on the border with Cameroon.

BBC: Nigeria army's offensive to continue 'as long as it takes'

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

In July and August 2012 suicide bombers tried but failed to kill the shehu - or traditional ruler - of the Borno emirate in north-east Nigeria as well as the emir of Fika in Yobe state.

BBC: Nigeria: Kano reels after emir attack