Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigerian military airstrikes kill at least 23 suspected bandits fleeing after coordinated attacks on two local government areas in Kano State, security officials say.
The Joint Task Force says troops, backed by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, repel assaults on Shanono and Tsanyawa local government areas that begin late Thursday night and stretch into early Friday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Major Zubairu Babatunde, says ground forces inflict heavy casualties, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Troops track the fleeing gunmen to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State, following intelligence-led surveillance.
According to the military, the bandits regroup in the Dan Marke community after crossing a dry riverbed on motorcycles. Aerial reconnaissance monitors their movements before authorising a precision airstrike. “The air operation successfully neutralised no fewer than 23 bandits, while several others sustained injuries,” Babatunde says, adding that arms, motorcycles and logistics equipment were destroyed in the strike.
The Commander of 3 Brigade commends both air and ground troops for what he describes as “exceptional bravery and professionalism” during the operation.
Security authorities say Kano State remains calm, with sustained patrols and surveillance ongoing to prevent reprisal attacks.
Residents are urged to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, as the military intensifies operations against armed groups operating across the northwest.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim