Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation MESA in Kano State have successfully repelled a bandits’ attack on Shanono Local Government Area, neutralizing 19 of the assailants in a fierce gun battle.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, the troops acted on credible intelligence about the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axes of Shanono around 5:00 pm on Friday, November 1, 2025.
Zubairu said the troops, supported by other security agencies, “swiftly responded to the distress call and engaged the bandits in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing them to retreat.”
He added that the criminals, who stormed the area on motorcycles, sustained heavy casualties. “Nineteen of the bandits were neutralized during the encounter. The troops also recovered several motorcycles and two mobile phones from the fleeing criminals,” he disclosed.
However, the Army spokesman expressed regret that “two gallant soldiers and one local vigilante paid the supreme price in the line of duty.”
Further operations, he said, were ongoing to track down fleeing bandits and ensure that vulnerable communities prone to cattle rustling are adequately protected.
“The Nigerian Army urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency,” the statement added.
Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, Commander 3 Brigade, commended the troops for their bravery and assured citizens of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to sustaining peace and security in Kano State.
“We will continue to work closely with sister services and other security agencies to ensure that law-abiding citizens live without fear,” General Tukur was quoted as saying.
The Army called on the media and the general public to continue supporting ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation MESA in Kano State have successfully repelled a bandits’ attack on Shanono Local Government Area, neutralizing 19 of the assailants in a fierce gun battle.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, the troops acted on credible intelligence about the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axes of Shanono around 5:00 pm on Friday, November 1, 2025.
Zubairu said the troops, supported by other security agencies, “swiftly responded to the distress call and engaged the bandits in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing them to retreat.”
He added that the criminals, who stormed the area on motorcycles, sustained heavy casualties. “Nineteen of the bandits were neutralized during the encounter. The troops also recovered several motorcycles and two mobile phones from the fleeing criminals,” he disclosed.
However, the Army spokesman expressed regret that “two gallant soldiers and one local vigilante paid the supreme price in the line of duty.”
Further operations, he said, were ongoing to track down fleeing bandits and ensure that vulnerable communities prone to cattle rustling are adequately protected.
“The Nigerian Army urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency,” the statement added.
Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, Commander 3 Brigade, commended the troops for their bravery and assured citizens of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to sustaining peace and security in Kano State.
“We will continue to work closely with sister services and other security agencies to ensure that law-abiding citizens live without fear,” General Tukur was quoted as saying.
The Army called on the media and the general public to continue supporting ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
Troops Repel Bandits, Neutralize 19 in Kano’s Shanono
