Troops of the Joint Task Force, supported by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralised no fewer than 23 bandits who were fleeing Kano State after launching coordinated attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas. The military operation, which stretched across Kano and neighbouring Katsina State, is part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and restore peace in the North-West region.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Major Zubairu Babatunde. According to him, the bandits carried out the attacks on Thursday night, with the violence continuing into the early hours of Friday.
Babatunde said the attackers invaded communities in Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs under the cover of darkness, causing fear and panic among residents. However, he noted that troops on ground responded swiftly and were able to contain the attacks, engaging the bandits in fierce battles.
“The ground troops successfully repelled the attacks and inflicted heavy casualties on the assailants,” the army spokesman said. He added that many of the bandits were forced to flee due to superior firepower from the troops.
After retreating from Kano State, the fleeing bandits were tracked by security forces as they moved towards Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Intelligence reports later revealed that the bandits had gathered at a location known as Dan Marke in Matazu LGA, allegedly to bury some of their members who were killed during the encounter with troops in Kano.
The military said this movement was closely monitored using aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions conducted by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma. The surveillance allowed security forces to follow the bandits’ route as they moved through difficult terrain.
According to the statement, the bandits were trailed until their motorcycles converged at a spot after crossing a dry riverbed. At that point, the Air Component carried out a well-coordinated air strike.
“The air strike resulted in the killing of at least 23 terrorists, while several others were believed to have sustained varying degrees of injury,” Babatunde said. He added that the operation also led to the destruction of several weapons and items of equipment belonging to the bandits.
The Nigerian Army described the operation as a major success and a clear message to criminal groups operating in the region. Babatunde said the Commander of 3 Brigade commended both the air and ground troops for their courage, professionalism, and resilience during the operation.
He also assured residents that the security situation in Kano State had remained calm following the attacks. “The security situation in Kano State remained calm, with troops sustaining robust patrols and monitoring across the affected areas. The troop morale and fighting efficiency were very satisfactory,” he said.
The North-West region of Nigeria, including Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, and parts of Kaduna States, has been plagued by banditry for several years. Armed groups often attack rural communities, highways, and farmlands, killing residents, kidnapping for ransom, and rustling cattle.
Kano State, although relatively more secure than some neighbouring states, has experienced pockets of bandit attacks, especially in local government areas that share boundaries with Katsina. Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs are among the areas considered vulnerable due to their proximity to known bandit routes.
Operation Fansan Yamma is a military campaign launched to combat banditry and other criminal activities across the North-West. The operation involves the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and other security agencies working together to deny criminal groups safe havens.
The military said the recent attack on Shanono and Tsanyawa was a reprisal mission by the bandits. According to Babatunde, the attackers were seeking revenge after losing some of their fighters during an earlier clash with troops last week.
“The attack was a reprisal mission following the loss of some of the bandits’ fighters to superior military firepower during an earlier encounter,” he explained.
Residents of the affected communities have praised the swift response of the military, saying it prevented the situation from getting worse. Some locals said the presence of troops helped calm fears and restore confidence, especially after the recent surge in attacks in nearby states.
The Nigerian Army also used the opportunity to call for continued cooperation from members of the public. Babatunde said timely and accurate information from residents has remained vital in the fight against banditry and terrorism.
“The Nigerian Army appreciates the support of members of the public and urges citizens to continue providing timely information to security agencies,” he said. He assured Nigerians that the military, working with other security agencies, remains committed to protecting lives and property.
Over the years, the Federal Government has stepped up military operations in the North-West, deploying more troops and equipment to affected areas. Air strikes, ground patrols, and clearance operations have led to the neutralisation of many bandit leaders and fighters, though the threat has not been completely eliminated.
For now, the latest operation has brought relief to residents of Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs, as well as neighbouring communities.