At least nine suspected bandits were killed during an overnight gun battle with Nigerian security forces in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, while one vigilante member was killed and another injured.
The attack occurred late on Saturday night around the Bakaji and Unguwar Garma communities in the Goron Dutse area after armed bandits reportedly stormed the area in large numbers, wielding sophisticated weapons.
The attackers were said to have arrived late at night, triggering hours of intense gunfire with troops of the Nigerian military and local security operatives.
Yahya Bagobiri, chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the military successfully repelled the attackers after a prolonged exchange of fire.
According to him, the bandits initially fled the area following stiff resistance from the troops but managed to rustle about 40 cows and abduct six persons during the raid.
Bagobiri said the military also seized several motorcycles belonging to the bandits. However, the criminals reportedly regrouped and returned between 5am and 6am, opening fire again on military positions but failed to overrun the area.
“Because they came in hundreds, they were still able to abduct six persons and take away about 40 cows. But thanks to the military, who responded with superior firepower, nine of them were killed and forced to abandon their motorcycles,” he said.
Read also: Police arrest armed robbery suspect, recover weapon in Kano
He added that the bandits later returned to evacuate the bodies of their slain members.
Bagobiri commended the military for their swift and gallant response, noting that their intervention prevented further destruction and loss of lives.
“I sincerely commend the military for safeguarding the area. They ensured the bandits did not cause serious havoc. At that time, nobody could even come out of their homes,” he said.
