Nigerian Army troops have repelled an attack by suspected bandits on construction workers at Tsatsunbe village in Southern Kebbi State, rescuing the workers after they fled into nearby bushes and recovering three motorcycles abandoned by the attackers.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, following a tip-off that the construction workers had come under attack, according to the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army.
The Army’s Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed the development on Saturday.
Osoba said troops responded swiftly to the distress call and launched a counter-operation against the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
“On 14 August 2026, troops, following a tip-off on a bandits’ attack on construction workers at Tsatsunbe village in Southern Kebbi, launched a swift counter-attack on the terrorists,” he said.
According to the Army spokesman, soldiers brought superior firepower to bear during the encounter, compelling the attackers to flee.
The troops subsequently conducted an exploitation of the area, during which three motorcycles reportedly abandoned by the fleeing assailants were recovered.
“Accordingly, troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray. During exploitation, troops recovered three abandoned motorcycles,” Osoba said.
The construction workers had reportedly sought refuge in the bushes as the attack unfolded.
Osoba said troops located and rescued the workers before escorting them back to their camp.
“The construction workers were safely rescued from the bushes and have returned to their camp,” he added.
The Army said the operation was conducted under Operation Clean Sweep IV, as troops continue efforts to protect civilians, workers and critical infrastructure from criminal attacks in the area.
The incident comes amid sustained military operations against armed groups operating across parts of the North-West.
Kebbi has remained one of the states where security forces have conducted operations against bandits and suspected Lakurawa terrorists. In June, troops operating under Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma reported recovering weapons and improvised explosive devices after an engagement with suspected Lakurawa fighters in the Dogon Daji area of Dandi Local Government Area.
The 8 Division also reported a separate confrontation in February when the convoy of its General Officer Commanding, Major General Bemgha Koughna, was ambushed near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State. The Army said five suspected terrorists were killed during the ensuing gun battle.
Friday’s attack highlights the continuing security risks faced by workers involved in construction and other infrastructure projects in vulnerable areas.
The Army did not disclose whether any of the attackers were arrested or whether there were casualties in the latest encounter.
Troops are expected to maintain operations around the affected area as security agencies work to prevent further attacks on communities, workers and critical infrastructure.
