Troops kill ’19 bandits’ during gun duel in Kano

The Nigerian Army says its troops killed 19 bandits during a gun duel in the Shanono LGA of Kano state.

The gunmen were reportedly moving around Ungwan Tudu in Goron Dutse axis of Shanono on November 1.

In a statement, Babatunde Zubairu, assistant director of public relations at 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, said the troops and other security agencies were alerted to the movement of the bandits in the axis.

Zubairu said personnel subsequently raided the location.

He relayed that during the firefight, the gunmen were “neutralised”, while two soldiers and one vigilante lost their lives.

“It was further confirmed that the bandits who sustained several casualties arrived on motorcycles,” the statement reads.

“The intervention commenced when gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of bandits movements in the area.

“Own troops deployed at Tsaure came in contact with the bandits which led to exchange of fire where own troops successfully pursued the bandits and recovered several motorcycles and 2 mobile phones from the criminals.

“It was confirmed that 19 bandits were neutralized during the encounter. Regrettably, 2 gallant soldiers and one local vigilante paid the supreme sacrifice.

“Additionally, further operations are ongoing in the general area as efforts are made to protect vulnerable communities who have been prone to cattle rustling from the bandits.

“The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.”