Abuja | July 17, 2025
By Peter Omopo
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that soldiers of Operation Safe Haven rejected a ₦13.7 million bribe offered by terror suspects during a military operation in Plateau State.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, praised the troops for their professionalism and integrity, describing their conduct as “commendable and exemplary.”
Kangye said the soldiers were responding to a distress call on July 9, 2025, when they intercepted a suspicious vehicle riddled with bullet holes along the Jos–Sanga Road.
“The suspects attempted to induce the troops with ₦13,742,000 in exchange for their release, but our personnel rejected the offer,” Kangye disclosed.
The troops proceeded to arrest the two suspects, recover weapons and ammunition, and seize the cash, which is now in military custody. Investigations are ongoing.
Major Security Operations in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa
In further updates, Kangye detailed several military operations between July 9 and 16, in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa States, which led to the neutralization of extremists, arrest of 12 suspects, and rescue of three kidnapped victims.
“Troops conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs in Plateau, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs in Kaduna,” he said.
Routine patrols also led to the arrest of seven suspected militias and criminals in Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Wamba, and Sanga LGAs across the three states.
Items recovered included weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and several vehicles.
Oil Theft Crackdown: Over 200,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Recovered
Turning to the fight against oil theft, Kangye revealed that troops of Operation Delta Safe apprehended 42 suspects and recovered 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 1,759 litres of kerosene within the past week.
“Troops also dismantled 19 illegal refining sites, 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 21 storage tanks, and other equipment used in illegal refining,” he stated.
Other recovered items include pumping machines, drilling machines, mobile phones, tricycles, motorcycles, and 13 vehicles.
Cult Kingpin and Kidnappers Nabbed
The military also reported the arrest of a notorious cult leader, Prince Johnson Ishirim (alias Commander Junior), along with 13 other suspected kidnappers and criminals in operations across Ahoada East LGA in Rivers State and Oshimili, Warri South, and Ukwani LGAs in Delta State.
Additionally, a raid on a criminal hideout in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State on July 10 led to the arrest of 28 oil thieves and several drug peddlers.
Kangye reiterated the military’s commitment to ethical conduct, rule of law, and the total eradication of criminal networks across the country.
