The Nigerian army has retaken the key town of Mubi from militant Islamist group Boko Haram, the regional governor told the BBC.

Boko Haram seized Mubi, the second largest town in the north-eastern Adamawa state, in October, renaming it Madinatul Islam - City of Islam.

It was the biggest town under the group's control.

Residents there said militants imposed Islamic Sharia law and carried out executions and amputations.

Adamawa state governor Bala Ngilari said government forces had recaptured the town, although there was no independent confirmation of this.

Some reports said Boko Haram had withdrawn after looting the town, rather than as the result of direct fighting.

However, Mr Ngilari's chief of staff, Chibudo Babbi, told the BBC Hausa Service that remnants of the group were being flushed out of Mubi by the military.

Residents were being told to exercise caution during the operation, he added.

The BBC's Muhammad Kabir Muhammad in Abuja says that if Nigerian troops have recaptured the town, it will be a rare piece of good news from the region for the army.

Adminisher:
The work was done by civilians. Nigeria has no army to speak off.