Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, under the Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade, have stopped an attack on some villages in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing 19 armed bandits in the process.

According to the Army, the operation happened on Saturday evening, November 1, after soldiers received intelligence that gunmen were heading toward Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse communities

Captain Babatunde Zubairu, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 3 Brigade, said in a statement that the troops, together with other security agencies, moved quickly to intercept the attackers.

“The troops engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle. During the encounter, 19 bandits were neutralized, while several motorcycles and two mobile phones were recovered from them,” he said.

He also confirmed that two soldiers and one local vigilante lost their lives during the operation.

Captain Zubairu added that security forces were still combing the area to ensure safety and to prevent further attacks, especially in villages that have suffered from cattle rustling and banditry.

“The Nigerian Army urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assures law-abiding citizens that the Army remains committed to keeping Kano State safe, in collaboration with other security agencies,” he said.

The Army described the operation as part of its ongoing efforts to secure rural areas and rebuild public trust in regions that have faced repeated bandit attacks