Nigeria’s national security adviser says the new leader of a jihadist group in Nigeria linked to Islamic State has been killed.

Babagana Monguno told journalists on Friday that Malam Bako, who recently succeeded Abu Musab al-Barnawi as leader of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (Iswap), was “taken out” by security forces two days ago.

Al-Barnawi’s death was announced a week ago.

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The reported deaths have refocused attention on the security crisis in Nigeria’s north-east, that began 12 years ago with an insurgency launched by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

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Nigeria is also reeling from devastating attacks by armed gangs who kidnap schoolchildren for ransom.