Air Force kills 23 bandits fleeing Kano

No fewer than 23 bandits were neutralised by the Nigerian Army Air Component while fleeing from Kano State into neighbouring Katsina State, following coordinated ground and air operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The military said the operation followed an attack launched by suspected bandits on the night of January 1 into the early hours of January 2, 2026, in Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas of Kano State.

According to the Army, troops of the Joint Task Force in Kano swiftly contained the attack and inflicted heavy casualties on the assailants, forcing them to flee the area. The troops subsequently tracked the fleeing bandits to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, said the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA later delivered a decisive blow on the fleeing terrorists.

“Intelligence reports indicated that the bandits were conducting a burial for their killed members at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA when the Air Component Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, located and trailed their movement,” the statement said.

It explained that the bandits were monitored until their motorcycles converged after crossing a dry river bed, at which point a precision air strike was launched.

“The operation, supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, inflicted maximum casualties on the fleeing bandits, resulting in at least 23 terrorists neutralised, while several others were believed to have sustained injuries,” the Army said.

The strike, according to the statement, also led to the destruction of several weapons and equipment belonging to the bandits.

The Commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, was quoted as commending the Air Component and ground troops for what he described as their “exceptional bravery and resilience.”

“Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable,” the commander said.

The army assured residents that the security situation in Kano State remained calm, noting that troops were maintaining robust patrols and continuous monitoring of the area.

“The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain very satisfactory,” the statement added.

The Nigerian Army also appreciated the support of the public in the fight against banditry and terrorism, urging citizens to continue providing timely information that could aid security agencies in disrupting criminal activities.

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