Nigerian Army troops
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) revealed that soldiers of Operation Safe Haven turned down a N13.7 million bribe offered by terrorists during a high-stakes operation along Jos-Sanga Road in Plateau State.
Director of Defence Media Operations,Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, shared details of the incident during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, highlighting the troops’ professionalism and recent successes across multiple regions.
Kangye explained that on July 9, troops responded to a distress call about terrorist activities and intercepted a vehicle riddled with bullet holes.
“The suspects attempted to bribe our troops with N13.7 million, which was firmly rejected,” he stated.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, with troops recovering weapons, ammunition, a vehicle, and the bribe money, all now in military custody as investigations continue.
Beyond this incident, Kangye reported that Operation Safe Haven conducted aggressive operations in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs in Plateau, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs in Kaduna.
These efforts resulted in neutralizing several extremists, arresting 12 suspects, and rescuing three kidnapped victims.
“Our troops also seized weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles,” Kangye noted.
Additionally, routine patrols in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau, and Wamba and Sanga LGAs of Nasarawa and Kaduna, led to the arrest of seven militia members and criminals. Items recovered included weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs.
Kangye praised the troops’ dedication, stating, “Their resilience and professionalism in rejecting the bribe and apprehending these criminals are commendable.”
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces, emphasizing, “Public support, including from the media, is vital to our mission’s success.”
The DHQ pledged to maintain transparency and provide timely updates as operations intensify to curb criminality nationwide.
