Troops Reject N13m Bribe from Terrorists in Plateau, Claims Defence HQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that troops of Operation Safe Haven rejected a bribe of over N13 million from terrorists during a recent operation in Plateau State.

The revelation was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during a bi-weekly press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, detailing military activities across the country from July 9 to 16.
According to Kangye, the troops were responding to a distress call about terrorist activities when they encountered two suspects who attempted to bribe them with N13,742,000 to evade arrest.

“On July 9, 2025, our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along the Jos–Sanga Road. Suspects attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification, but they declined,” Kangye stated. “Two suspects were arrested, and troops recovered weapons, ammunition, a vehicle, and the sum of N13,742,000.00. Investigation is ongoing while all recovered items remain in troops’ custody.”

He added that within the reporting period, troops of Operation Safe Haven conducted multiple offensive operations and responded to distress calls across Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs in Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs in Kaduna State.

“During these operations, troops neutralized several extremists, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued three kidnapped victims,” Kangye said. “Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles were recovered from the criminal elements.”

Troops also arrested seven other suspects in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State and in Wamba and Sanga LGAs of Nasarawa and Kaduna States, respectively.

The suspects were found in possession of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs.

The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their integrity and unwavering commitment to the ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality in the country.