How troops rejected N13.7m bribe in Plateau – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has revealed that troops of Operation Safe Haven refused a bribe of N13.7 million offered by terrorists during an operation along the Jos-Sanga Road in Plateau State.

This was disclosed on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during a press briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.

According to Kangye, the troops were responding to a distress call about terrorist activity when they intercepted two suspects who attempted to offer the bribe. The soldiers turned down the offer and proceeded with the operation.

In further operations, troops carried out raids and responded to distress calls in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East Local Government Areas of Plateau, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs in Kaduna State.

During these operations, the troops engaged in gun battles with extremists, killing several of them, arresting 12 suspects, and rescuing three kidnapped victims. Recovered items included arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles.

Kangye also confirmed that seven suspected militia members and criminals were arrested during routine patrols in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State, and in Wamba and Sanga LGAs of Nasarawa and Kaduna States. Recovered items included more weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs.

He highlighted that on July 9, troops intercepted a bullet-ridden vehicle along the Jos-Sanga Road. Two suspects inside the vehicle attempted to bribe the troops with N13.7 million, but the soldiers arrested them, seized the money, and recovered additional arms and ammunition.

All recovered items are currently in military custody as investigations continue.

Major General Kangye praised the troops for their discipline and professional conduct, urging the public to maintain support for the military and continue to report suspicious activities.

“The support of all Nigerians, including the media, is crucial to the overall success of our mission,” he said. “We will continue to provide timely updates and ensure transparency throughout the operation.”