Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, under the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have repelled an attack on communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing 19 of the assailants.

The troops, supported by other security agencies, reportedly engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel after receiving intelligence on their movement around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse areas at about 5:00pm on November 1, 2025.

According to a statement issued by Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, the troops swiftly mobilized and intercepted the bandits who were riding on motorcycles, resulting in a heavy exchange of fire.

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“During the encounter, 19 bandits were neutralized while several motorcycles and two mobile phones were recovered from the criminals,” the statement said.

It added that two soldiers and one local vigilante lost their lives in the operation.

Captain Zubairu said further operations were ongoing in the area to protect vulnerable communities that have been targets of cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

“The Nigerian Army urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies. The Commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assures law-abiding citizens of the Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kano State, in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies,” the statement added.

The operation, according to the Army, was part of ongoing efforts to secure rural communities and restore public confidence in areas affected by bandit incursions.