Scores flee advancing Islamic militants in Nigeria

Yola - Fleeing residents say Boko Haram fighters are patrolling 50km of the main road between two of several towns the Islamic extremists have seized in a 320km arc running alongside northeast Nigeria's border with Cameroon.

A long-silent spokesperson of Boko Haram called reporters to say fighters have seized the village of Mararaban Mubi, just outside Mubi town in Adamawa state.

Mubi became a centre for refugees who fled fighting in the past year. Spokesperson Abu Zinnira also denied military claims that soldiers have retaken the city of Bama, 75km from Maiduguri, birthplace of Boko Haram and capital of Borno state.

The United States said it is launching a major border security programme for Nigeria and its neighbours. Fighting recently spilled over into Cameroon.