The Nigerian Army on Monday confirmed that troops of the Joint Task Force Operation MESA in the Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, led by 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, on Sunday night eliminated at least 19 bandits during an encounter with the bandits.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, who confirmed the development through a statement issued to newsmen on Monday, also disclosed that two gallant soldiers and one local Vigilante lost their lives during the operation.
According to Zubairu, the encounter followed a tip-off on the movement of bandits around Unguwar Tidu, Unguwar Tsamiya, Goron Dutse axis of Shanono Local Government Area of the state at about 5 pm on November 1, 2025.
“Troops of 3 Brigade, supported by other security agencies, raided the bandits and pushed them out of Shanono, resulting in a heavy firefight. It was further confirmed that the bandits who sustained several casualties arrived on motorcycles.
“The intervention commenced when gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of bandit movements in the area. Own troops deployed at Tsaure came in contact with the bandits, which led to an exchange of fire where troops successfully pursued the bandits and recovered several motorcycles and two mobile phones from the criminals.
“It was confirmed that 19 bandits were neutralised during the encounter. Regrettably, two gallant soldiers and one local Vigilante paid the supreme sacrifice,” the statement read.
Additionally, according to the statement, further operations are ongoing in the general area as efforts are being made to protect vulnerable communities that have been prone to cattle rustling from the bandits.
“The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the security agencies for prompt response.
“The Commander 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assures law-abiding citizens of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the State, while working together with the sister services and security agencies,” Zubairu added in the statement.
