Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, under the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, says it has killed 19 bandits during a fierce gun duel in Shanono local government area of Kano State, Northern Nigeria.

The operation, which took place around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis at about 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, was launched following credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits who invaded the area on motorcycles from neighbouring forests.

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According to a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, the troops, supported by other security agencies, swiftly mobilised and engaged the bandits in an intense exchange of fire, successfully repelling the attack.

Captain Zubairu disclosed that 19 of the bandits were neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. He added that several motorcycles and two mobile phones used by the criminals were recovered during the operation.

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“Unfortunately, two gallant soldiers and one local vigilante paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” the statement said, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the nation and protecting its citizens.

The spokesman further revealed that clearance operations were ongoing within the general area to prevent reprisal attacks and safeguard vulnerable communities, which have been frequent targets of cattle rustling and kidnapping.
He quoted the Commander, 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, as commending the troops for their bravery and reaffirming the Army’s resolve to sustain peace and security across Kano and its environs.

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The Commander also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movement to security agencies, assuring that the military will continue to collaborate with other security services to ensure the safety of all law-abiding citizens.

According to the Factstreamnews, the  residents of Tsanyawa and Shanono communities recently appealed to both the federal and state governments to intervene urgently following repeated bandit attacks that have claimed lives, injured several persons, and led to massive cattle rustling.