Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) have repelled an attempted bandits’ attack on communities in the Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, military officials confirmed on Friday.
The engagement took place late Thursday night into the early hours of Friday in Yankwada, Babanduhu and neighbouring villages, according to a statement by the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson in Kano, Zubair Babatunde.
Babatunde said the bandits, riding on motorcycles and firing sporadically, sought to infiltrate the communities at about 1:00 a.m. He described the attack as a retaliatory effort following a recent encounter that resulted in losses for the criminal group.
He said soldiers responded swiftly, engaging the assailants and dislodging them from the affected villages. Babatunde added that the intervention by the JTF prevented casualties and major property damage.
The army spokesperson urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing protection efforts. He said troops remained on high alert to forestall further attacks and sustain peace across the state.
The JTF’s response followed reports of increased bandits’ activity in parts of northwest Nigeria, where security forces have been engaged in operations to counter armed incursions and protect border communities.
Authorities noted that maintaining security in rural and semi‑urban areas remains a priority, with military presence and patrols intensified in several local government areas.
As of publication, no casualty figures were released by the Nigerian Army, and further details on arrests or seized equipment were not made available.
