November 03, (THEWILL) -- Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, have neutralized 19 bandits during a fierce gun battle in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.

The operation, led by personnel of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, was launched following intelligence reports on the movement of armed bandits in the area.

Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.

He, however, said two soldiers and one local vigilante lost their lives in the encounter.

"Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, led by 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, successfully contained a bandits' incursion into the area and protected vulnerable communities," Zubairu said.

He explained that the troops, acting on credible intelligence around 5 p.m. on November 1, engaged the bandits at Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis, forcing them to retreat after sustained heavy fire.

"The bandits, who stormed the area on motorcycles, suffered heavy casualties. Our troops swiftly responded to the reports and pursued the criminals, recovering several motorcycles and two mobile phones.

"It was confirmed that 19 bandits were neutralized during the encounter. Regrettably, two gallant soldiers and one local vigilante paid the supreme price," the statement read.

Captain Zubairu added that clearance operations were ongoing in the area to prevent further attacks and protect communities vulnerable to cattle rustling and banditry.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assured residents of the military's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Kano State in collaboration with other security agencies.