Nigerian Military Says it Has Captured Hundreds of Islamic Militants

Thousands of troops were deployed to fight Boko Haram

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nearly a week after Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan announced the deployment of thousands of troops to the country's war-torn north, officials say they now hold more than 200 suspected Boko Haram militants.

Nigerian military forces said Monday they have captured 120 Boko Haram militants during the past 24 hours alone, and now are occupying five former militant bases and the surrounding areas.