Troops of Joint Task Force Operation MESA under the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have successfully repelled a bandits’ incursion in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, neutralizing 19 of the criminals during a fierce encounter.
According to a statement by Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, the operation followed a tip-off on the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono at about 5:00 p.m. on 1 November 2025. The troops, supported by other security agencies, swiftly responded and engaged the bandits in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing them to flee the area.
During the encounter, troops recovered several motorcycles and two mobile phones from the fleeing bandits. Unfortunately, two soldiers and one local vigilante lost their lives in the line of duty.
Captain Zubairu noted that the bandits, who rode into the area on motorcycles, suffered heavy casualties as a result of the coordinated response by the gallant troops. He added that further operations are ongoing in the general area to safeguard vulnerable communities that have been targets of cattle rustling and bandit attacks.
The Commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, commended the troops for their bravery and assured residents of the Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kano State. He also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies for prompt action.