Two police officers and a solider have been killed by suspected fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The security operatives were killed when troops came under heavy attack while conducting clearance operation in Malam-Fatori, Abadam LGA of Borno.

It was gathered that the police team was led by a chief superintendent of police, Mohammed Ibrahim.

The clearance exercise was said to be organised by Babagana Zulum, governor of the state, who mobilized about 500 security operatives, in an effort to facilitate the return of over 50,000 residents who had fled Abadam.

Malam-Fatori, headquarter town of Abadam LGA, is described as a stronghold of ISWAP.

In another development, suspected ISWAP members have abducted five travelers on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, which is said to be a soft target for insurgents.

The travelers were said to have been stopped around Tamsukau in Kaga LGA, Borno state, which is about seven kilometres away from Ngamdu where the Nigerian Army has one of its super camps.