Troops of the Joint Task Force have repelled an attempted attack by suspected bandits on several communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State following hours of intense fighting overnight.
The confrontation, which began late Thursday and stretched into the early hours of Friday, affected Yankwada, Babanduhu and nearby villages.
The assailants reportedly arrived on motorcycles and opened fire sporadically, prompting an immediate military response.
Confirming the incident, the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson in Kano, Major Zubair Babatunde, said the attackers were on a revenge mission after suffering losses in a previous clash with troops.
“The bandits attempted to invade the communities around 1:00 a.m., firing indiscriminately, but our troops responded swiftly and effectively engaged them,” Babatunde said.
“They were dislodged, and the prompt action of the Joint Task Force prevented casualties and major damage.”
He added that security forces remain on high alert across the state and urged residents to continue cooperating with authorities by providing timely and credible information.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, confirmed the attack, describing it as a coordinated assault involving dozens of armed men.
“The bandits came on more than 50 motorcycles, each carrying three armed men with heavy weapons,” Bagobiri said.
“They started shooting from about 1:00 a.m. until daybreak. Their intention was to penetrate Kano, but the military’s tactical response stopped them.”
Bagobiri commended the soldiers for preventing the attackers from reaching the main towns, but called on the Federal Government to strengthen security in the area.
“With more arms, personnel and support from the Nigerian Air Force, these bandits can be contained and peace restored to Shanono, Bagwai, Tsanyawa and Gwarzo,” he said.
However, offering a clarification, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Zubairu Babatunde, said some claims about casualties and cattle rustling were inaccurate.
“All details are correct except that no civilian was killed and there was no rustling of cows,” he stated in a message.
The latest incident follows last week’s gun battle in parts of Shanono Local Government Area, where security sources said several bandits were killed during an exchange of fire with troops. The military has reiterated its commitment to sustaining peace and preventing further attacks in Kano State.
