Nigeria, Nov. 2 -- Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in North-east Nigeria, have killed four high-profile commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including two "high ranking" Arab fighters in an offensive operation in Kukawa, Borno State, an official has said.

In a statement on Sunday, Mohammed Goni, the task force's spokesperson, said the offensive, launched on 31 October, targeted ISWAP leadership, identifying those killed as Abu Hajara, a member of the group's Shura Council, and Abu Walid, a close associate of wanted ISWAP Wali (governor), Ba Shuwa.

Mr Goni, a Nigerian Army captain, said several foot soldiers were also killed in the offensive, which combined air assets and on-the-ground gunfight....