Troops of the Joint Taskforce with support from the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma have eliminated no fewer than 23 bandits who were fleeing Kano State after attacking Shanono and and Tsanyawa local government areas of the state.
The Nigerian Army said the bandits carried out the deadly attacks on Thursday night through the early hours of Friday.
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The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Zubairu Babatunde, confirmed the killing of the terrorists in a statement, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Sunday.
According to him, the ground troops successfully repelled the assaults and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers before pursuing them into neighbouring Katsina State.
He said the fleeing bandits were tracked to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, following intelligence reports that they had regrouped at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA to bury some of their members killed during the encounter with troops.
“The Air Component Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma 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 that the operation, which was supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, also led to the destruction of several weapons and equipment belonging to the hoodlums.
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Babatunde said the Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended both the Air Component and ground troops for their courage during the operation.
“The Commander 3 Brigade Nigerian Army has earlier commended the Air Component and troops for their exceptional bravery and resilience. “Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable,” he said.
The Army spokesman noted that the security situation in Kano State remained calm, adding that troops had continued robust patrols and monitoring across the affected areas.
Babatunde said the Nigerian Army appreciated the support of members of the public in the fight against banditry and terrorism, urging citizens to continue to provide timely information to security agencies.
He said the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, “remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to take necessary measures to ensure national security.
Recall that the Joint Taskforce had on Friday foiled an attempted incursion by bandits into some communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State after a prolonged gun battle.
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Also last week no fewer than nine bandits were reportedly killed during a heavy exchange of gun fire between bandits and the Nigeria military at Bakaji and Unguwar Garma in Goron Dutse area of Shanono Local Government area of Kano State.
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation MESA had in October in the Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State led by 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, neutralised no fewer than 19 bandits during an encounter with the bandits.
