Nineteen bandits were feared dead following a gun duel between troops of the Joint Task Force Operation MESA in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.
Two soldiers and a local vigilante also died during the operation, which was led by 3 Brigade Nigerian Army on Saturday night.
An Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu in a statement on Monday disclosed that the encounter followed a tip-off on the movement of bandits around Unguwan Tidu, Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono Local Government Area of the state at about 5 pm on November 1, 2025.
“Following a tip-off on movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, Goron Dutse axis of Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State at about 5:00pm on 1 November 2025, the troops of 3 Brigade supported by other security agencies raided the bandits and pushed them out of Shanono resulting in a heavy fire fight. It was further confirmed that the bandits who sustained several casualties arrived on motorcycles.
“The intervention commenced when gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of bandits’ movements in the area. Own troops deployed at Tsaure came in contact with the bandits which led to exchange of fire where own troops successfully pursued the bandits and recovered several motorcycles and two mobile phones from the criminals. It was confirmed that 19 bandits were neutralized during the encounter. Regrettably, 2 gallant soldiers and one local Vigilante paid the supreme sacrifice.
“Additionally, further operations are ongoing in the general area as efforts are made to protect vulnerable communities who have been prone to cattle rustling from the bandits. The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the security agencies for prompt response.
“The Commander 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assures law-abiding citizens of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the State, while working together with the sister services and security agencies,” the statement reads.
