Cameroon says 27 Boko Haram hostages released

Cameroon has reinforced troops in its northern regions to tackle Boko Haram

Cameroon's president has said that 27 hostages, including 10 Chinese workers, held by suspected Boko Haram militants have been released.

Also freed was the wife of Cameroon's Vice-Prime Minister Amadou Ali.

President Paul Biya said that the hostages, seized in May and July close to the Nigeria border, were safe.

Boko Haram is seeking to establish an Islamist state in Nigeria but its fighters often cross the long and porous border with Cameroon.

Many Nigerian civilians in border towns have fled to Cameroon to escape Boko Haram attacks, which have been stepped up in recent months.

In July, Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad and Niger agreed to form a 2,800-strong regional force to tackle Boko Haram militants.

Cameroon has reinforced its troops in its northern regions.