Abuja, Nigeria — July 17, 2025
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN rejected a ₦13,742,000 cash bribe allegedly offered by terror suspects intercepted during an operation along the Jos–Sanga Road in Plateau State.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday while giving updates on military operations conducted July 9–16, 2025, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said troops had moved in response to a distress call on terrorist activity when they stopped a bullet-riddled vehicle. Two occupants reportedly attempted to “induce” the soldiers with cash in exchange for release.
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“Our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along Jos–Sanga Road on 9 July 2025. Suspects attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification, while they declined. Troops arrested two suspects, recovered weapons, ammunition, a vehicle and the sum of ₦13,742,000. Investigation is ongoing,” Kangye said.
Wider Security Operations In Plateau, Kaduna & Neighbouring States
Kangye reported sustained offensive operations and rapid responses to distress calls across:
Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs (Plateau State); and Kaura & Sanga LGAs (Kaduna State).
During the period:
- Extremists were engaged; some were killed.
- 12 suspects arrested and 3 kidnapped victims rescued.
- Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were recovered.
In separate routine patrols, troops arrested seven suspected militias/criminals in Barkin Ladi & Jos South (Plateau) and Wamba (Nasarawa) & Sanga (Kaduna). Additional arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs were seized.
Kangye praised the troops’ professionalism and integrity, noting that refusing the bribe underscores the military’s commitment to ethical conduct while tackling terrorism and banditry.
Oil Theft Crackdown: 42 Arrests, Massive Seizures
Giving a Niger Delta update, Kangye said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested 42 suspected oil thieves in the past week and uncovered extensive illegal refining activity. Items recovered include:
- 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil.
- 29,730 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).
- 1,759 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene.
18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 21 storage tanks, 19 illegal refining sites, and other illicit infrastructure (boats, drums, pumps, drilling machines).
13 vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and assorted arms/explosives.
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Arrest Of Cult & Kidnap Suspects In Rivers / Delta Axis
Troops also apprehended a notorious cult figure, Prince Johnson Ishirim (aka Commander Junior), along with 13 suspected criminals/kidnappers in operations across Ahoada East (Rivers State) and Oshimiri, Warri South, and Ukwani LGAs (Delta State). Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles were recovered.
Separately, a July 10 raid on a criminal hideout in Southern Ijaw LGA (Bayelsa State) led to the arrest of 28 suspected oil thieves and several drug dealers.
Public Vigilance Urged
Kangye appealed to citizens—especially in Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and border communities—to report suspicious movements promptly, stressing that local cooperation is critical to sustaining recent gains.
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