Tension gripped Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State after a fierce gun duel between troops of Operation MESA and armed bandits left at least 19 bandits dead. The intense operation, led by the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, also claimed the lives of two soldiers and one vigilante who fought bravely during the encounter.
According to the spokesperson of the command, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, the troops acted swiftly following credible intelligence about the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis. He explained that the soldiers engaged the heavily armed criminals, who arrived on motorcycles, in a prolonged exchange of gunfire that eventually forced them out of the area.
“Following a tip-off around 5 p.m. on November 1, 2025, our troops swiftly mobilized and intercepted the bandits. After an intense exchange of fire, 19 bandits were neutralized, and several motorcycles and mobile phones were recovered,” Zubairu said. He added that while the troops emerged victorious, the army mourns the loss of the gallant men who paid the supreme price to protect their communities.
He further revealed that additional security operations are ongoing in Shanono and neighboring areas to prevent reprisal attacks and protect vulnerable settlements. The Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assured residents that the army remains fully committed to restoring peace and working hand-in-hand with other security agencies.
Zubairu also urged locals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements, emphasizing that community intelligence remains vital in combating the persistent threat of banditry. The affected areas, which share borders with Katsina State, have suffered repeated assaults from bandits believed to be crossing over from neighboring territories.
While the military continues to tighten its grip on the region, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges of insecurity in the Northwest — where rural communities often find themselves at the frontline of violent attacks. Despite the losses, the army says its resolve to defeat banditry in Kano State remains stronger than ever.
