Troops of the Joint Task Force, with support from the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralised at least 23 bandits fleeing Kano State following coordinated attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas.
Maj. Zubairu Babatunde, assistant director, army public relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Kano.
According to him, the bandits launched the attacks on Thursday night, which extended into the early hours of Friday. Ground troops were able to repel the assault, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers before pursuing those who fled.
Babatunde said the fleeing bandits were tracked to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State.
Intelligence reports indicated that the bandits had regrouped at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA to bury some of their members killed during the initial encounter.
“The Air Component Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma located the bandits and trailed their movement until their motorcycles converged after crossing a dry riverbed,” Babatunde said.
“A precision air strike was thereafter conducted, resulting in the neutralisation of at least 23 terrorists, while several others were believed to have sustained injuries.”
He added that the operation, supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, also led to the destruction of several weapons and equipment belonging to the bandits.
The spokesperson said the Commander of 3 Brigade commended both the air and ground troops for their bravery and resilience during the operation.
“Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable,” the commander was quoted as saying.
Babatunde noted that the security situation in Kano State remains calm, with troops sustaining robust patrols and surveillance across affected areas. He added that troop morale and fighting efficiency were very satisfactory.
The Nigerian Army also appreciated the support of the public in the fight against banditry and terrorism, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
He reaffirmed that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring national security.
The operation adds to recent successes recorded against armed groups operating in Kano State.
This newspaper had earlier reported that troops foiled an attempted incursion by bandits into several communities in Shanono Local Government Area following a prolonged gun battle late Thursday night.
The clash, which affected Yankwada, Babanduhu and nearby villages, was described as a revenge attack by the bandits after losing fighters to superior military firepower during an earlier encounter.