Nigerian Army troops on patrol
By HARUNA AHMED, Kano –
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, have successfully repelled a bandit attack in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, preventing what could have been a major incursion into vulnerable communities.
The operation, spearheaded by officers from the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, followed credible intelligence reports on the movement of armed bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse at about 5 p.m. on November 1.
A statement released by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, said the troops—working in synergy with other security agencies—engaged the bandits in an intense gun battle that forced them to retreat.
“It was confirmed that the bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, sustained several casualties during the encounter,” Zubairu said.
He explained that troops stationed at Tsaure community intercepted the fleeing bandits, leading to another exchange of fire.
During the confrontation, the soldiers recovered multiple motorcycles and two mobile phones belonging to the assailants.
According to Zubairu, 19 bandits were neutralised, while two soldiers and a local vigilante member sadly lost their lives in the operation.
He added that follow-up operations were still ongoing to flush out remaining criminal elements and secure communities often targeted for cattle rustling and related crimes.
“The Nigerian Army urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies,” he advised.
The Commander of the 3 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, reassured the people of Kano State that the Army remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring peace and security in collaboration with other security outfits.
