Kano Attacks: NAF Airstrikes Kill 23 Bandits on the Run

 

      No fewer than 23 suspected bandits were killed after Nigerian military air operations targeted armed

 groups fleeing Kano State in the aftermath of coordinated attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local

 Government Areas.

According to the Nigerian Army, the assaults were carried out on the night of January 1 and continued

 into the early hours of January 2, 2026. Troops of the Joint Task Force deployed in Kano reportedly

 responded swiftly, containing the attacks and inflicting significant losses on the attackers.

      In a statement released on January 3 by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade,

 Major Babatunde Zubairu, the Army said the fleeing bandits were tracked to Karaduwa village in

 Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State.

       The statement explained that the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA followed the

 armed

 group and conducted a precision airstrike after intelligence indicated that the bandits had regrouped at

 Dan Marke in Matazu LGA to bury members killed during the earlier engagements.

Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets reportedly monitored the movement

 of the group as they crossed a dry riverbed, with their motorcycles converging at a single location,

 which triggered the air operation.

The Army said the strike led to the neutralisation of at least 23 suspected terrorists, while several others

 were believed to have sustained injuries. The operation also destroyed weapons and other equipment

 belonging to the bandits.

Commending the operation, the Commander of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army praised both the Air

 Component and ground forces for their professionalism and courage, describing their performance as

 exemplary despite the risks involved.

The Army added that security in Kano State remains stable, with troops sustaining aggressive patrols

 and continuous surveillance across vulnerable areas. It noted that morale among personnel remains

 high and operational effectiveness satisfactory.

The statement further appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies

 by providing credible and timely information capable of disrupting criminal and terrorist activities.