Nigerian troops have repelled an overnight bandits attack in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing nine attackers during a prolonged gun battle.
The clash occurred in Bakaji and Unguwar Garma, communities in the Goron Dutse area, after armed bandits invaded the villages around midnight on Saturday. Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers and carried heavy weapons.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the bandits engaged a military task force deployed to the area. The exchange of gunfire lasted several hours and continued into the early hours of Sunday.
Troops repel bandits in Goron Dutse
Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, confirmed the incident while speaking with journalists. He said the troops responded quickly and forced the bandits to retreat.
According to him, the attackers fled after suffering casualties but abducted six residents and escaped with about 40 cows. He added that soldiers recovered several motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits.
Bagobiri said the bandits returned between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Sunday and attempted another assault. However, troops countered the move and prevented them from regaining access to the communities.
One vigilante killed during Kano gun battle
During the operation, one vigilante member was killed, while another sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.
Bagobiri disclosed that the bandits later returned to retrieve the bodies of their dead members before withdrawing from the area. He praised the military for securing the communities and preventing further damage.
Bagobiri added that residents stayed indoors throughout the operation due to the intensity of the gunfire. He said the troops’ presence stopped the attackers from causing greater destruction.
