The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that Nigerian troops operating under Operation Safe Haven refused a bribe of over N13 million offered by terrorists during a mission in Plateau State.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, commended the troops’ integrity and commitment to duty during operations conducted across several local government areas.
Kangye explained that the attempted bribe occurred while soldiers were responding to a distress call related to terrorist activity.
“Within the period 9 – 16 July 2025, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom and Jos East Local Government Areas of Plateau State as well as Kaura and Sanga Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
“While conducting these operations, they contacted extremists and killed some of them, arrested 12 and rescued three kidnapped victims. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them,” he said.
The military also reported additional arrests during routine patrols in parts of Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states.
“Similarly, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN while on routine patrol arrested 7 militias/criminals in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Wamba and Sanga LGAs of Nasarawa and Kaduna States respectively. Items recovered from them were weapons, ammunition and motorcycles as well as illicit drugs.”
Detailing the incident involving the bribe, Kangye added:
“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.”
He noted that investigations are ongoing, and all recovered items are currently in military custody.
