Nigeria, Nov. 4 -- Nigerian soldiers have killed 19 armed bandits in a battle in the Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.

The spokesperson for the 3rd Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Kano, Babatunde Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Zubairu said the operation took place on Saturday around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono following an intelligence report about the movement of the bandits.

Mr Zubairu, a captain, stated that the troops of 3 Brigade, in a joint security operation, confronted the bandits who had invaded the area on motorcycles, resulting in a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

"The intervention commenced when gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of bandits' movements ...