ABUJA, NIGERIA – Troops operating under Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State reportedly rejected a bribe of ₦13.7 million (approximately $9,100 USD) offered by suspected terrorists. The incident occurred during a military operation where soldiers intercepted a suspicious vehicle, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, July 17, 2025, detailing recent military operations conducted across the country from July 9 to 16. He stated that troops, responding to a distress call about terrorist activities, intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along the Jos-Sanga Road. During the encounter, two suspects in the vehicle allegedly attempted to bribe the soldiers in exchange for their freedom.
“On 9 July 2025, our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along Jos, Sanga Road. Suspects attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification, while they declined. Troops arrested two suspects, recovered weapons, ammunition, a vehicle and the sum of N13,742,000.00 from them,” Major General Kangye said, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Beyond this incident, Operation Safe Haven troops conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls in various Local Government Areas of Plateau and Kaduna States, engaging extremists, killing some, arresting 12, and rescuing three kidnapped victims. Routine patrols also led to the arrest of seven suspected militias and criminals in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States, with additional weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs recovered.
Major General Kangye praised the troops’ professionalism and integrity, especially for refusing the attempted bribe, reiterating the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and criminality while upholding ethical standards.
Separately, in the fight against oil theft, troops from Operation Delta Safe reportedly apprehended 42 suspected oil thieves in the past week, recovering large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products, including over 201,000 litres of stolen crude oil. They also discovered and destroyed numerous illegal refining sites. Furthermore, troops arrested a notorious cult leader and 13 other suspected criminals/kidnappers in Rivers and Delta States, and raided a criminal hideout in Bayelsa State, leading to the arrest of 28 oil thieves and drug dealers on July 10.
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