Nigeria's Islamic sect leader Mohammed Yusuf was killed by Nigerian military force in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, on Thursday evening, according to the Nigerian military authority.

The wreckage of motorcycles next to a burnt-out house of Islamist extremists in northern Nigeria on July 30, 2009. More than 600 people have been killed during clashes between Islamist extremists and security forces in a city in northeastern Nigeria, witnesses have said.[Xinhua]

Mohammed Yerima, director of information of Nigerian Military Force, told Xinhua that the wanted sect leader Yusuf was killed during a gun battle on Thursday evening.

Nigeria's Television Authority (NTA) also reported that the sect head's body was recognized by local residents.

The sect leader, who stirred up the four-day riot in northeast Nigeria states, was said to have told his men never to retreat, but he caused about 300 deaths of his men in their gun fight against the military and police on Wednesday.

Nigeria's Borno State Governor Ali Sheriff vowed to catch Yusufand bring punishment to him.

A burnt-out house of Islamist extremists is seen in northern Nigeria on July 30, 2009. More than 600 people have been killed during clashes between Islamist extremists and security forces in a city in northeastern Nigeria, witnesses have said.[Xinhua]