Troops of the Joint Task Force, supported by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralised no fewer than 23 bandits fleeing Kano State after coordinated attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa local government areas.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday in Kano by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Zubairu Babatunde.
According to Babatunde, the bandits launched the attacks on the affected communities on the night of Thursday, which extended into the early hours of Friday.
He said ground troops swiftly contained the assaults, inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants before tracking the fleeing bandits towards Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State.
“Intelligence reports revealed that the bandits regrouped at Dan Marke in Matazu Local Government Area to bury some of their members killed during the encounter with troops,” Babatunde said.
He explained that the Air Component Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma subsequently located the bandits and trailed their movement until their motorcycles converged after crossing a dry riverbed.
“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.
The spokesperson said the operation, which was supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, also led to the destruction of several weapons and other equipment belonging to the bandits.
He noted that the Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended both the ground troops and the Air Component for their bravery, resilience and professionalism during the operation.
Babatunde further assured residents that the security situation in Kano State remained calm, with troops maintaining sustained patrols and surveillance across the affected areas.
He added that troop morale and fighting efficiency remained high, while the Nigerian Army urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
According to him, the military, working in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to take decisive measures to curb banditry and other criminal activities.
