Troops of the Joint Task Force, supported by 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 Thursday night, with the violence stretching into the early hours of Friday.
Ground troops were able to repel the assaults, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers before pursuing them as they fled toward neighbouring Katsina State.
According to a statement issued on Sunday in Kano, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Zubairu Babatunde, said the fleeing bandits were tracked to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, following intelligence that they had regrouped in Dan Marke, also in Matazu LGA, to bury some of their members killed during the initial encounter.
Babatunde noted that the Air Component Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma located the bandits and monitored 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 said.
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 and ground forces for their courage and professionalism during the operation, describing their performance as exemplary.
“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, with troops maintaining robust patrols and continuous monitoring across affected areas.
He added that troop morale and fighting efficiency were “very satisfactory.”
Babatunde also appreciated members of the public for their support in the fight against banditry and terrorism, urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
According to him, the Nigerian Army, 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 armed groups in the area. Kano Times had reported on Friday that the Joint Task Force foiled an attempted incursion by bandits into several communities in Shanono Local Government Area 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 bandits to superior military firepower during an earlier encounter last week. Tribune