One hundred and seventy eight kidnap victims in Boko Haram's custody have been freed in operations by troops in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno, an official statement said Monday.

A total of 101 children, 67 women and 10 men were freed as troops conducted offensive operations along Aulari road in Bama axis of the northern Borno State, while intensifying efforts to flush out Boko Haram dens in its area of operations, the statement signed by Col. Tukur Gusau, a spokesperson of the 7 Division of Nigerian army, said.

The captives were freed in various operations in which three Boko Haram flags were recovered and five motorcycles were burnt by the troops, the statement added, but did not state when the operations were carried out.

Nigerian troops intensified efforts to root out Boko Haram since May, following President Muhammadu Buhari's order for relocation of the military command center to Borno State, the theater of violence in the West African country.

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