No fewer than nine suspected bandits and a vigilante member were killed during a fierce gunfight between security forces and armed criminals in Bakaji and Unguwar Garma communities, in the Goron Dutse axis of Shanono Local Government Area, Kano State.
The clash broke out late on Saturday when the gunmen stormed the area and were confronted by troops of the Nigerian military, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire that lasted several hours. Another vigilante was injured in the incident.
The Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, Yahya Bagobiri, confirmed the development on Sunday, saying the attackers were eventually forced to retreat under intense fire from the troops.
He said the bandits, who came in large numbers, still managed to abduct six persons and rustle about 40 cows before fleeing the area.
“The military killed the bandits and recovered motorcycles, but the criminals sneaked back around 5 a.m.–6 a.m., opening heavy fire on the military, though they could not penetrate the area.
“Because they came in hundreds, they still abducted six persons and rustled 40 cows. But thanks to the military, who returned heavy fire, killing nine of them, the bandits abandoned many motorcycles,” Bagobiri said.
He added that the bandits later returned in the early hours of the morning to retrieve the bodies of those killed.
“Let me honestly commend the military, who safeguarded the area and ensured that the bandits were stopped from causing serious havoc. They deserved to be appreciated because at that time, nobody could even come out of their home,” he said.
Also confirming the incident, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, said troops recovered three motorcycles and two mobile phones with bloodstains from the scene.
“Yes, I cannot confirm the exact number of bandits killed, but one vigilante was injured.
“We recovered three motorcycles and two mobile phones with bloodstains,” he said.
Security patrols have since been intensified in the area, as residents remain on edge following the attack.