Troops of the Joint Task Force, with support from the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed no fewer than 23 bandits who were fleeing Kano State after launching deadly attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas.
The Nigerian Army said the bandits carried out the attacks on the night of Thursday, which extended into the early hours of Friday.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Kano, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Maj. Zubairu Babatunde, said ground troops successfully repelled the assaults and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers before pursuing them into neighbouring Katsina State.
He said the fleeing bandits were tracked to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, following intelligence reports that they had regrouped at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA to bury some of their members killed during the encounter with troops.
According to Babatunde, “The Air Component Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma located the bandits and trailed their movement until their motorcycles converged after crossing a dry riverbed.
“A precision air strike was thereafter conducted, resulting in the neutralisation of at least 23 terrorists, while several others were believed to have sustained injuries.”
He added that the operation, which was supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, also led to the destruction of several weapons and equipment belonging to the bandits.
Babatunde said the Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended both the Air Component and ground troops for their courage during the operation.
“Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable,” the commander was quoted as saying.
The Army spokesman noted that the security situation in Kano State remained calm, adding that troops had continued robust patrols and monitoring across the affected areas.
He said troop morale and fighting efficiency were “very satisfactory.”
Babatunde said the Nigerian Army appreciated the support of members of the public in the fight against banditry and terrorism, urging citizens to continue to provide timely information to security agencies.
According to him, the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, “remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to take necessary measures to ensure national security.”
The latest operation adds to recent successes recorded against gunmen operating in the area.
Kano Times had reported on Friday that the task force foiled an attempted incursion by bandits into some communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State after a prolonged gun battle.
The clash, which reportedly began late Thursday night and lasted until the early hours of Friday, occurred in Yankwada, Babanduhu and other neighbouring villages.
Confirming the incident, Babatunde said the attack was a revenge mission following the loss of some of the bandits’ fighters to superior military firepower during an earlier encounter last week.
NAN
