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JOS, Nigeria (Reuters) - Nigeria's Vice President on Thursday ordered the army to take over security in the central city of Jos and pledged the government would prevent further clashes after days of violence which has killed hundreds.

Goodluck Jonathan, who has been empowered by a federal court to perform executive duties in the absence of President Umaru Yar'Adua, ordered the army to take over security in and around Jos after days of clashes between Muslim and Christian gangs.

"I have today ordered the army to lead the security forces to take over the entire security of the affected areas, including those areas that are considered prone to risk," he said in a speech broadcast on state television.

It was Jonathan's first national address since a court ruled last week he could perform all executive duties in the absence of Yar'Adua, who has been in hospital in Saudi Arabia for the past two months but who has not formally transferred powers.

But the court said Jonathan could not be "acting president" and the opposition has questioned whether he is legally able to deploy troops, saying the constitution gives only the president that authority as commander-in-chief.

The vice president used executive powers for the first time earlier this week when he ordered troops into Jos to help police restore order.

"Let me assure all that the federal government is on top of the situation and that the crisis is being brought under control," Jonathan said.