Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, under the 3rd Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have successfully repelled a terrorist incursion in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing 19 bandits in a fierce gun battle. Unfortunately, two gallant soldiers and one local vigilante lost their lives during the confrontation.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3rd Brigade, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday. He said the troops launched a coordinated counterattack following credible intelligence about the movement of armed bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse in Shanono LGA at about 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2025.
According to Zubairu, the terrorists, who arrived on motorcycles in large numbers, were met with heavy firepower from the troops, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire. The soldiers, supported by personnel from other security agencies, successfully pushed the bandits out of the area after a sustained battle.
“The intervention commenced when gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of bandit movements in the area. Our troops deployed at Tsaure engaged the criminals in a gun duel, successfully neutralizing 19 bandits and recovering several motorcycles and two mobile phones from the fleeing assailants,” the Army spokesman stated.
He added that despite the successful operation, the military recorded casualties.
“Regrettably, two gallant soldiers and one local vigilante paid the supreme price during the encounter. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten,” he said.
Captain Zubairu further disclosed that additional clearance operations are currently ongoing across the general area to track down remnants of the fleeing bandit group and prevent future incursions. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting lives, property, and communities that have long suffered from bandit attacks and cattle rustling.
“Efforts are ongoing to ensure that vulnerable communities are protected and that those behind the attacks are completely rooted out. The Nigerian Army calls on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or persons within their areas,” the statement added.
The Commander, 3rd Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, also commended the bravery of the troops who engaged the attackers. He assured law-abiding citizens of the Army’s continued commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kano State and its environs.
“The Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with other security agencies, remains resolute in its mission to safeguard all communities. We urge citizens to cooperate with security operatives by providing useful information that can help forestall criminal activities,” he noted.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its stance that it would not relent in its operations against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national peace. Security analysts have also lauded the swift response by troops, describing it as a strong signal of military readiness to secure the North-West region from armed insurgents.
