Heavy gun battles broke out between the Nigerian Military and heavily armed bandits in several villages in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, including Yankwada and Babanduhu, on Thursday night. The fighting continued into the early hours of Friday, causing fear among residents and raising concerns about security in the region.
According to Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, the bandits launched the attack to seek revenge after losing nine of their members in previous military operations last week. He said the attackers arrived on over 50 motorcycles, each carrying three armed men equipped with bazookas and other heavy weapons.
“The bandits riding over 50 motorcycles, each carrying three persons with bazookas and other heavy guns, raided Yankwada, Babanduhu, and other villages, opening fire from around 1 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday, resulting in the killing of a civilian,” Bagobiri said.
Despite being outgunned, the Nigerian Military reportedly fought back with tactical skill, preventing the bandits from advancing into the main towns of Shanono and surrounding communities. Bagobiri praised the soldiers for their bravery and determination.
“The bandits were dislodged by the military’s tactical fighting, despite coming with heavy arms. They only succeeded in stealing 100 cows and killing one civilian,” he said.
Bagobiri called on the Federal Government to provide additional arms and redeploy more soldiers to support those already on the ground. He emphasized that with better equipment and closer coordination with the Nigerian Air Force, bandit activities in Shanono, Bagwai, Tsanyawa, and Gwarzo Local Government Areas could be contained.
“The intention of the bandits is to penetrate deeper into Kano, but with redeployment of more military personnel and provision of more arms, their criminal missions would be stopped,” he said.
Bandit attacks have been a growing security concern across northern Nigeria over the past several years. Groups of armed criminals often operate in rural areas, targeting villages, farmers, and traders. Their activities typically include kidnapping, robbery, and livestock theft. In many cases, bandits operate in large groups, using motorcycles to move quickly between communities, making it difficult for local security forces to track them.
Kano State, one of the most populous states in Nigeria, has experienced several attacks in rural areas, particularly in its northwestern and central regions. Local communities often rely on vigilante groups and community security networks to help combat these threats. However, these groups have limited firepower compared to bandit gangs, leaving civilians vulnerable without military support.
In response, the Nigerian Military has intensified operations in several northern states, deploying ground troops and coordinating with the Air Force to track and neutralize bandits. While these operations have led to the arrest or death of some bandits, attacks continue, often as acts of retaliation.
The recent attack in Shanono Local Government Area has caused panic among residents, many of whom fled to safer areas or hid in the bush during the fighting. According to Bagobiri, the raids disrupted normal life in the affected villages, destroyed property, and contributed to economic losses, including the theft of 100 cows.
Farmers and traders, who form the backbone of rural economies in northern Nigeria, are particularly affected by these attacks. When communities are repeatedly targeted, farming activities are disrupted, local markets suffer, and food security is threatened. Families often face both physical danger and financial hardship, leading to increased poverty in already vulnerable areas.
“The attacks not only threaten lives but also affect local economies. Farmers are afraid to go to their fields, and traders cannot operate freely,” Bagobiri said.
Community leaders in Kano have long called on the Federal Government to increase security presence in rural areas. The recent attack in Shanono has reignited these calls, with local officials stressing the need for more personnel, better weapons, and improved coordination with air support to prevent further attacks.
Bagobiri stressed that while the military on the ground showed bravery and resilience, additional support would significantly reduce the ability of bandits to carry out violent raids.
“We need more soldiers, more arms, and close coordination with the Nigerian Air Force. If these measures are put in place, the bandits would not be able to continue their operations in our communities,” he said.
The Nigerian Military has maintained that it is committed to protecting citizens in all affected states, including Kano. Tactical operations are ongoing to flush out bandit groups, recover stolen property, and secure vulnerable communities. Local vigilance groups also continue to play a role, working alongside military personnel to provide intelligence and support during operations.
Residents of Kano and surrounding states remain on high alert as military operations continue. Community leaders are calling on authorities at both state and federal levels to ensure that adequate measures are taken to prevent future attacks and protect civilians.
Bagobiri expressed hope that with the right support, peace could return to Shanono, Bagwai, Tsanyawa, and Gwarzo Local Government Areas. He urged residents to cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious movements in their communities.
“The military is working hard to protect us, but we must also be vigilant. Cooperation from the people, combined with federal support, will help bring lasting peace to our villages,” he said.