At least 19 bandits were killed in a gun battle between troops of the Joint Task Force Operation MESA, led by the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and armed bandits in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.
According to Vanguard, the clash also left two soldiers and one local vigilante dead.
The command’s spokesperson, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, confirmed the incident, explaining that it occurred after intelligence reports on bandit movements around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse prompted troops to take action.
According to Captain Zubairu, “Following a tip-off on movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, Goron Dutse axis of Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State at about 5:00pm on 1 November 2025, the troops of 3 Brigade supported by other security agencies raided the bandits and pushed them out of Shanono resulting in a heavy fire fight. 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 bandits movements in the area. Own troops deployed at Tsaure came in contact with the bandits which led to exchange of fire where own troops successfully pursued the bandits and recovered several motorcycles and 2 mobile phones from the criminals. It was confirmed that 19 bandits were neutralized during the encounter. Regrettably, 2 gallant soldiers and one local Vigilante paid the supreme sacrifice.
“Additionally, further operations are ongoing in the general area as efforts are made to protect vulnerable communities who have been prone to cattle rustling from the bandits. The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“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,” the spokesperson, Zubairu however stated.
Kano communities in Shanono and Tsanyanwa Local Government Areas, which share borders with Katsina State, have recently been targeted by bandits believed to be operating from the neighbouring state.
