Nigerian Army kills 23 fleeing terrorists in Kano

Monday, January 5, 2026 - Twenty-three bandits fleeing Kano State following coordinated attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas have been neutralised by troops of the Joint Task Force, supported by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Zubairu Babatunde, said in a statement on Sunday that the bandits launched the attacks on Thursday night, extending into the early hours of Friday.

He explained that ground troops were able to contain the attacks and inflict heavy casualties on the assailants before tracking the fleeing bandits to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, intelligence reports indicated that the bandits had gathered at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA to bury some of their members killed during the encounter with troops.

It stated that the Air Component Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma located the bandits and trailed their movement until their motorcycles converged after crossing a dry riverbed, adding that an air strike was conducted, leading to the killing of at least 23 terrorists, while several others were believed to have sustained varying degrees of injury.

Babatunde explained that the operation, which was supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, also saw the destruction of several weapons and items of equipment belonging to the bandits.

He said the Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended the air component and ground troops for their bravery and resilience during the operation.

According to Babatunde, “The security situation in Kano State remained calm, with troops sustaining robust patrols and monitoring across the affected areas. The troop morale and fighting efficiency were very satisfactory.”

He added that the Nigerian Army appreciated the support of members of the public in the fight against banditry and terrorism and urged citizens to continue providing timely information to security agencies, assuring that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to take necessary measures to ensure national security.

Babatunde further explained that the attack was a reprisal mission following the loss of some of the bandits’ fighters to superior military firepower during an earlier encounter last week.