- Lose 2 gallant soldiers, one local vigilante
Troops of the Joint Task Force – Operation MESA – in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, have repelled a terrorist incursion, killing 19 bandits in a fierce gun battle that also claimed the lives of two gallant soldiers and a local vigilante.
According to a statement by Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3rd Brigade, Nigerian Army, the operation took place around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono at about 5:00 pm on November 1, 2025, following a credible tip-off on the movement of the bandits.
Captain Zubairu said the troops of 3 Brigade, supported by other security agencies, launched a coordinated raid on the bandits, who had invaded the area on motorcycles, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
“The intervention commenced when gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of bandits’ movements in the area. Our troops deployed at Tsaure came in contact with the criminals, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. The troops pursued the fleeing bandits and successfully recovered several motorcycles and two mobile phones,” the statement read.
He confirmed that 19 of the bandits were neutralized during the encounter, while two soldiers and one local vigilante lost their lives in the line of duty.
Captain Zubairu added that further operations are ongoing in the general area to ensure the total clearance of the remaining criminals, as well as to safeguard vulnerable communities.