There has been fierce fighting in northern Nigeria for the fourth consecutive day between security forces and Islamic militias. The police say 43 people were killed on Wednesday and a total of about 300 since the fighting began on Sunday.

The clashes are centred round the base of militia leader Mohammed Yusuf in Maiduguri. Government forces report his house has been destroyed but it is not known if he is still alive. It is also being reported that 180 hostages, who were being held by the Islamists, have been freed.

The fighting began on Sunday, when the militias attacked a number of police stations. Since then, Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua has released statements suggesting the Islamists are on the verge of defeat. However, police sources say the government counter-offensive against the rebels is proving more difficult than expected.