By MUHAMMAD NUR TIJANI

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, have repelled a bandits? attack and protected vulnerable communities in the area.

The operation, led by personnel of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, followed a tip-off on the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono at about 5 p.m. on Nov. 1.

A statement issued by Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, said the troops, supported by other security agencies, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat.

?It was confirmed that the bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, sustained several casualties during the encounter,? he said.

Zubairu added that the troops deployed at Tsaure community came in contact with the bandits, leading to an exchange of fire that resulted in the recovery of several motorcycles and two mobile phones.

According to him, 19 bandits were neutralised in the operation, while two soldiers and a local vigilante lost their lives.

He said further operations were ongoing in the general area to ensure the protection of vulnerable communities often targeted for cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

?The Nigerian Army urges the citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies,? Zubairu added.

The Commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, assured residents of the Army?s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state, in collaboration with other security agencies. (NAN)

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