Heavily armed bandits riding on more than 50 motorcycles engaged Nigerian troops in a fierce overnight gun battle in parts of Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, leaving one civilian dead and about 100 cows stolen.
The coordinated attack, which targeted Yankwada, Babanduhu and other neighbouring villages, began around 1 a.m. on Thursday and lasted until about 5 a.m. on Friday.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, Yahya Bagobiri, said the bandits launched the assault in retaliation for losing nine of their fighters during recent military operations in the area.
Bagobiri, who spoke to Daily Post, disclosed that the assailants moved in large numbers, with each motorcycle carrying about three armed men wielding bazookas and other heavy weapons.
“The bandits riding over 50 motorcycles, each having 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,” he said.
He commended the Nigerian military for their swift and tactical response, noting that soldiers successfully blocked the attackers from advancing into major towns despite their superior firepower.
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“The bandits were dislodged by the military’s tactical fighting, despite the fact that they came with heavy arms. They only succeeded in stealing about 100 cows and killing one civilian,” Bagobiri added.
The community leader appealed to the Federal Government to urgently reinforce troops on the ground and supply more sophisticated weapons to sustain the ongoing operations.
According to him, improved military presence and stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force would help contain the criminal elements and restore lasting peace across Shanono, Bagwai, Tsanyawa and Gwarzo local government areas.
“The intention of the bandits is to penetrate Kano, but the redeployment of more military personnel and the provision of more arms will stop their criminal mission,” he said.