Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, under the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have repelled a bandits’ attack in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing 19 of the assailants during a gun battle.
This is contained in a statement signed by Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army.
Zubairu said the operation was conducted following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono at about 5:00 p.m. on November 1.
He explained that troops of the 3 Brigade, supported by other security agencies, raided the bandits’ hideout and pushed them out of Shanono, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire.
According to him, the armed criminals, who arrived on motorcycles, suffered heavy casualties during the encounter.
“The troops deployed at Tsaure swiftly responded to the distress call and engaged the bandits in combat, leading to their defeat. Our troops successfully pursued the bandits and recovered several motorcycles and two mobile phones from them,” he said.
Zubairu, however, noted that the operation was not without loss, as two soldiers and one local vigilante lost their lives in the encounter.
He said clearance operations were still ongoing in the general area to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities prone to cattle rustling.
“The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assured residents of the continued commitment of the Nigerian Army to peace and security in the state.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its determination to maintain peace and stability in Kano State, working in synergy with sister services and other security agencies,” the statement quoted Tukur as saying.
The Army appreciated the cooperation of the media and the general public in the ongoing fight against banditry across the country.