In a powerful demonstration of integrity and professionalism, Nigerian troops under Operation Safe Haven rejected a ₦13.7 million bribe from suspected terrorists during a recent operation in Plateau State, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced Thursday.
According to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, the soldiers were responding to a distress call on July 9 when they intercepted a bullet-riddled vehicle along the Jos–Sanga Road.
Inside were two suspects who, in a bid to evade arrest, allegedly offered the troops ₦13,742,000 in cash. The offer was declined, and both suspects were arrested on the spot. Weapons, ammunition, the money, and the vehicle were all taken into military custody.
“Our gallant troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle riddled with bullet holes. The suspects attempted to offer a bribe, which was declined,” Kangye stated at a press briefing in Abuja.
The suspects remain under investigation, and the DHQ emphasized that the recovered items are being securely held by the military.
Elsewhere in Plateau and Kaduna States, ongoing military operations have intensified in response to growing security threats.
Troops have been conducting raids, ambushes, and patrols across volatile areas including Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, South Wase, Jos East, Kaura, and Sanga.
These efforts have led to the neutralization of several terrorists, the arrest of 12 suspects, and the rescue of three kidnap victims. A cache of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles has also been seized.
Routine patrols in Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Wamba (Nasarawa), and Sanga (Kaduna) resulted in the arrest of seven additional suspected criminals.
Among the recovered items were illicit drugs, firearms, and motorcycles believed to be linked to recent attacks in the region.
Meanwhile, in the South-South region, troops under Operation Delta Safe have ramped up efforts to dismantle oil theft networks.
Over the past week, 42 suspected oil thieves were arrested, and significant quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products were recovered including over 200,000 litres of crude oil and nearly 30,000 litres of diesel.
Troops also destroyed dozens of illegal refining sites, storage tanks, and boats used in the illicit trade.
In a separate crackdown on criminal networks, the military apprehended a notorious cult leader, Prince Johnson Ishirim, known as Commander Junior, along with 13 other suspects in Rivers and Delta States.
A raid in Bayelsa State’s Southern Ijaw Local Government Area on July 10 led to the arrest of 28 suspected oil thieves and drug traffickers.
Major General Kangye praised the troops for maintaining high ethical standards, especially in rejecting the bribe, which he described as a testament to their discipline and unwavering commitment to national security.
He reaffirmed the military’s resolve to combat terrorism, criminality, and economic sabotage across all fronts.
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