Suspected bandits have once again unleashed terror on Goron Dutse ward in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, triggering a deadly confrontation with security forces that left three bandits dead.
According to DAILY POST, the attack occurred late Saturday night when armed men reportedly invaded the community, sowing fear among residents. Troops stationed in the area swiftly responded, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
During the clash, three of the suspected bandits were neutralised by security forces, while their motorcycles were recovered. However, a member of the local vigilante group was fatally shot during the exchange.
A local government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, revealing that despite the resistance from troops, the attackers succeeded in rustling about 40 cows.
“They came in the middle of the night. The soldiers put in a lot of effort and were able to repel them,” the source said.
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Further investigations revealed that the assailants returned to the area on Sunday morning in what appeared to be a reprisal attack following the killing of three of their members the previous night.
Bandits Flee As Soldiers Rescue Kidnap Victim In Border Operation
In a latest development, Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Faruruwa have rescued an abducted man following a successful early-morning security operation along the Kano–Katsina border.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, led to the rescue of 38-year-old Rabiu Halilu, who had been held captive by suspected bandits.
According to the Nigerian Army, Halilu sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during captivity and was immediately evacuated to the JTF Faruruwa Medical Centre, where he received treatment.
The troops also recovered three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits, some of which were stained with blood, as well as a number of cattle believed to have been rustled during the attack.
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According to The Nation, soldiers operating around Yankwada swung into action after receiving credible intelligence about the movement of armed bandits advancing from Daurawa and Kira areas of Katsina State towards the Kano axis.
Spokesman for the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Kano, Major Zubair Babatunde, said the troops became aware of the bandits’ movement at about 1:00am on Saturday night.
“Troops operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Yankwada swiftly mobilised a fighting patrol to the fringes of the Kano–Katsina border to intercept the suspected bandits,” Babatunde said.
He explained that upon arrival at Ungwan Dogo and Ungwan Tudu, the soldiers made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
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“The bandits were overpowered and forced to withdraw in disarray towards Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State,” he added.
Babatunde confirmed that the rescued victim, identified as Rabiu Alhaji Halilu, was freed during the encounter, while assuring residents that security forces remain vigilant.
“The troops remain on high alert and are intensifying patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities and ensure sustained security in border communities,” he said.