Group captured from Cameroon by Boko haram free

Cameroonian soldiers pursued the militants towards the Nigerian border

At least 24 of up to 80 people taken hostage by Boko Haram militants in Cameroon at the weekend are reported to be free.

Some escaped from their captors while Cameroon said others were freed "as defence forces pursued the attackers who were heading back to Nigeria".
Many of those kidnapped in the cross-border raid were said to be children.
It was one of the biggest abductions by Boko Haram outside Nigeria and raised fears that it is expanding its attacks.
The militant Islamist group has seized control of towns and villages in north-east Nigeria and has begun threatening neighbouring countries.
Chad, which also borders Nigeria, has recently sent soldiers to help Cameroon tackle the militants.