Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation MESA, led by the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, have foiled a bandits’ incursion into Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing 19 criminals and recovering several motorcycles and mobile phones.
According to a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Brigade, Captain Babatunde Zubairu on Sunday, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Monday, the operation took place on November 1, 2025, following credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits around the Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, troops supported by other security agencies engaged the bandits in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat from the area.
The bandits, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles, suffered heavy casualties during the encounter.
“Own troops deployed at Tsaure came in contact with the bandits, leading to an exchange of fire. Our troops successfully pursued the criminals, neutralizing 19 of them and recovering several motorcycles and two mobile phones,” the statement read.
Captain Zubairu added that, regrettably, two gallant soldiers and one local vigilante lost their lives in the operation.
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He noted that further clearance operations are ongoing in the general area to prevent renewed attacks and protect vulnerable communities that have suffered from cattle rustling and other bandit activities.
The Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kano State, assuring residents of continued collaboration with sister security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
The Army also urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security authorities.
