January 05, (THEWILL) — Residents of Kano State have expressed relief following the neutralisation of no fewer than 23 bandits by troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), supported by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma. The operation followed coordinated attacks on the Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Major Zubairu Babatunde, confirmed that the bandits launched their assaults on the night of Thursday, January 1, extending into the early hours of Friday.
Ground troops swiftly repelled the incursions, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the criminals to retreat.
Following credible intelligence, troops tracked the fleeing bandits to Karaduwa village in the Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State.
Intelligence revealed that the group had gathered at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA to conduct burial rites for members killed during the initial encounter with the JTF.
The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma located the terrorists and monitored their movement using Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
Once the bandits’ motorcycles converged after crossing a dry riverbed, a precision air strike was conducted.
This strike resulted in the death of at least 23 terrorists, while several others escaped with significant injuries.
The operation also led to the destruction of various weapons and equipment.
The Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, commended both the air and ground troops for their bravery and resilience.
He described the operation as a clear demonstration of the military’s resolve to deny criminal elements any freedom of action within the region.
Major Babatunde assured residents that the security situation in Kano State remains calm, with troops sustaining aggressive patrols and continuous monitoring.
He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid in the ongoing fight against banditry and terrorism.
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