the BBC.
But the president - who faces elections in a week -
admitted the response to the insurgents' initial advance in
north-east Nigeria had been too slow.
The army has claimed recent victories over Boko Haram
in a conflict that has killed thousands since 2012.
Backed by neighbouring countries Chad, Niger and
Cameroon, Nigeria's military says it has recaptured 11 of
the 14 districts which had been under militant control.
On Thursday, however, Boko Haram attacked the town
of Ngala, killing 11 people, after the army said it had
retaken it.
for its failure to end the insurgency.
The government has made similar claims in the past about
defeating or driving back Boko Haram within a specific
period - but these have not been borne out by events.
The Nigerian insurgents this month pledged their allegiance
to Islamic State militants, who control large parts of
Syria and Iraq.
Analysis: Will Ross, BBC News, Abuja
President Jonathan may have faced huge criticism at home
and abroad for his handling of the insecurity in the north-
east but he seems unwilling to concede any mistakes have
been made.
Mr Jonathan clearly inherited a military beset by
corruption and one which for decades has demonstrated an
extraordinary inability to build up a decent array of
weaponry - hence the recent scramble for military
hardware including helicopters and tanks as well as the
involvement of troops from neighbouring countries.
His assessment of the Boko Haram crisis is perhaps a little
closer to the mark than the euphoric PR statements that
are sent out on behalf of Nigeria's military suggesting this is
a won war.
Yes, some jihadists have been killed in battle, he told me, but
many have fled - either over the borders or into Sambisa
Forest and the Mandara Mountains, whilst some he says
have melted back into towns.
They may no longer control much territory but the Boko
Haram crisis grew too deep to disappear in a hurry.
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