Troops Reject ₦13.7m Bribe from Terrorists in Plateau – Defence Headquarters

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that troops of Operation Safe Haven rejected a ₦13.7 million bribe offered by suspected terrorists during an operation along the Jos-Sanga Road in Plateau State.

This was revealed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

He stated that the troops were responding to a distress call about terrorist activities when they intercepted two suspects attempting to bribe them with a cash sum of ₦13.7 million.

According to Maj.-Gen. Kangye, the prompt response of the soldiers led to the arrest of the suspects, the recovery of weapons and ammunition, as well as the confiscation of the bribe money and a bullet-riddled vehicle.

“On July 9, our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along the Jos-Sanga Road. The suspects in the vehicle attempted to induce the troops with ₦13.7 million to avoid arrest. The troops firmly rejected the offer, arrested two suspects, and recovered the cash, weapons, ammunition, and the vehicle,” he said.

The Defence spokesperson further noted that offensive operations and rescue missions were simultaneously carried out across Plateau and Kaduna States, specifically in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs of Plateau, and Kaura and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna.

In the course of these operations, the troops reportedly engaged extremists, killed an undisclosed number, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued three kidnapped victims. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles, and illicit drugs were among items recovered during the raids.

“Troops of Operation Safe Haven also arrested seven criminals during routine patrols across Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau, as well as Wamba and Sanga LGAs in Nasarawa and Kaduna States respectively,” Kangye added.

He praised the soldiers for their integrity, professionalism, and commitment to duty in the face of attempts to undermine their mission.

“As the military intensifies efforts to bring ongoing operations to a successful conclusion, we urge the general public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security forces, and report any suspicious activity. The continued support of Nigerians, including the media, is vital for the success of our operations,” he said.

Kangye assured that investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, and all recovered items are currently in the custody of the Nigerian military.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to upholding transparency and providing regular updates as part of its efforts to combat insecurity across the country.