Troops kill ISWAP council member and senior commander in Borno

The military says troops have killed two senior figures of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) after fighting off a major attack in Borno State.

Captain Mohammed Goni, acting media officer for Operation Hadin Kai, said the insurgents attacked army positions in Kukawa Local Government Area on 31 October and were repelled by ground troops backed by air support.

Among those killed, he said, were Abu Hajara, a member of ISWAP's ruling Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a senior commander described as close to the group's leader. Two foreign fighters of Arab origin were also killed. The military did not give a total death toll.

Weapons, ammunition and communication equipment were recovered after the fighting. Military officials say the losses will badly weaken ISWAP's leadership.

It also said 55 insurgents, including several commanders, have now been killed following the recent attack on its training school in Buni Yadi, Yobe State. The figures could not be independently verified.