London, Jan 1 (IANS): Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in parts of the country in the wake of attacks from the Islamist group Boko Haram, the BBC reported.
In a live televised address, Jonathan, while announcing the state of emergency, said: "The temporary closure of our borders in the affected areas is only an interim measure designed to address the current security challenges."
The measure is in force in areas of the Yobe and Borno states in the north-east, Plateau state in central Nigeria and Niger state in the east.
Following the declaration of emergency, the international borders in the affected areas have been temporarily closed.
Jonathan has vowed to "crush" Boko Haram, which killed dozens in attacks across the country on Christmas Day.