Nigeria's President declares state of emergency in 3 states

In a televised address to the nation on Tuesday, Jonathan declared a "state of emergency" in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states, saying the military will take "all necessary action" to "put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists."

In his address after two days of meetings with security chiefs, Jonathan admitted that members of the Boko Haram Islamic militant group and other extremists now control some parts of Nigeria.

"What we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity," he said.

"These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country," the president said.

He did not remove the governors of the three states but ordered security forces to pay closer attention to the areas.

Boko Haram has killed more than 2,000 people since it started insurgency in 2009. It concentrates its activities in the three states where the emergency was declared with frequent shift to neighbouring states.

Recently a breakaway sect, Ansaru and a cult, Ombatse joined in the attacks and killings. On Thursday, Ombatse opened fire on police officers during an ambush in Nasarawa state, killing 30 of them.