The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Thursday that troops operating under Operation Safe Haven declined a bribe of ₦13.7 million offered by suspected terrorists during a military operation in Plateau State.
According to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, the troops had responded to a distress call regarding terrorist activity when they intercepted a suspicious vehicle riddled with bullet holes along the Jos-Sanga Road on July 9, 2025.
“During the stop, two individuals in the vehicle attempted to offer ₦13,742,000 to the soldiers in exchange for their release. The troops refused the bribe and proceeded to arrest the suspects. They also recovered weapons, ammunition, the vehicle in question, and the cash offered,” Kangye disclosed during a press briefing in Abuja that covered military operations between July 9 and 16, 2025.
The military is currently investigating the incident, with all recovered items held in custody.
In addition to this encounter, troops reportedly carried out several offensive operations and responded to emergency calls in various locations including Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs in Kaduna State.
These operations led to the arrest of 12 suspects and the rescue of three kidnapped individuals. The troops also recovered more weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles from criminal elements.
Routine patrols in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State, and Wamba and Sanga LGAs in Nasarawa and Kaduna States, led to the arrest of seven suspected criminals. Confiscated items included illegal firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, and narcotics.
Commending the professionalism of the personnel, Kangye emphasized the military’s commitment to fighting terrorism and criminality with integrity and adherence to ethical standards.
Regarding operations targeting oil theft, Kangye revealed that troops under Operation Delta Safe arrested 42 suspected oil thieves within the week. They also seized a total of 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), and 1,759 litres of kerosene (DPK).
Additionally, the troops dismantled illegal refining infrastructure, including 18 crude oil ovens, 32 dugout pits, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, 16 boats, and 19 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered included pumping and drilling equipment, tricycles, motorcycles, 13 vehicles, and mobile phones.
In the southern region, troops apprehended a well-known cult leader identified as Prince Johnson Ishirim, also known as Commander Junior, alongside 13 suspected criminals and kidnappers across Ahoada East LGA in Rivers State and Oshimili, Warri South, and Ukwani LGAs in Delta State. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and a motorcycle were seized during the operations.
Moreover, on July 10, troops raided a criminal hideout in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, arresting 28 suspected oil thieves and drug dealers.
