YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon's president says Boko Haram has been defeated in the country, the first such announcement since he declared war on the extremist group four years ago.

President Paul Biya spoke during his first visit to the Far North region since 2012 as he campaigned ahead of the Oct. 7 election. The 85-year-old has led Cameroon since 1982 and is likely to win as the fractured opposition has been unable to put forward a strong candidate.

Speaking at a rally in Maroua, Biya said he would focus on rebuilding what has been destroyed "now that terrorism has been defeated."

Cameroon's Far North has been the target of suicide bombings and other attacks by Boko Haram fighters who spilled over the border from Nigeria. Nearly a quarter-million people have been displaced.