23 Killed As Military Bombs Bandits During Burial In Katsina

No fewer than 23 bandits have been neutralised by troops of the Joint Task Force, with support from the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, after coordinated attacks on two local government areas of Kano State.

The bandits were killed while fleeing the state following attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas on Thursday night.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Zubairu Babatunde, said the assailants launched the attacks late on Thursday, with the violence stretching into the early hours of Friday.

According to Babatunde, ground troops swiftly responded and successfully contained the attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers.

He said the troops later tracked the fleeing bandits to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State.

Babatunde disclosed that intelligence reports revealed the fleeing bandits had regrouped at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA to bury some of their members killed during the encounter with troops in Kano.

“The Air Component Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma located the bandits and trailed their movement until their motorcycles converged after crossing a dry riverbed,” he said.

The army spokesperson said a precision airstrike was subsequently carried out, leading to the killing of at least 23 bandits.

“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,” Babatunde said.

He added that the operation, which was supported by aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, also led to the destruction of several weapons and equipment belonging to the criminals.

Babatunde said the Commander of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, praised both the air and ground components for their courage and professionalism.

“Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable,” the commander was quoted as saying.

The spokesperson assured residents that the security situation in Kano State remained calm, stressing that troops had sustained robust patrols and close monitoring of the affected areas.

He added that troop morale and fighting efficiency were “very satisfactory.”

Babatunde said the Nigerian Army appreciated the support of members of the public in the fight against banditry and terrorism and urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

According to him, the military, working alongside other security agencies, remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard national security.

The latest operation adds to recent successes recorded against gunmen disturbing parts of Kano State.

It was reported earlier on Friday that the Joint Task Force foiled an attempted incursion by bandits into some communities in Shanono Local Government Area after a prolonged gun battle.

The clash, which began late Thursday night and lasted into the early hours of Friday, occurred in Yankwada, Babanduhu and other neighbouring villages.

Confirming the incident, Babatunde said the attack was a revenge mission by the bandits following the loss of some of their fighters to superior military firepower during an earlier encounter last week.