Troops of Operation Safe Haven have rejected a ₦13.7 million bribe offered by terror suspects during a recent operation in Plateau State, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) revealed on Thursday.

The suspects were reportedly intercepted on July 9 along the Jos-Sanga Road in a vehicle riddled with bullet holes.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said the suspects attempted to bribe soldiers to secure their release but were arrested instead.

“Troops arrested two suspects, recovered weapons, ammunition, a vehicle and the sum of ₦13,742,000.00. Investigation is ongoing,” he stated.

Kangye disclosed that the troops had been responding to a distress call about terrorist activity when they made the arrest.

He praised the soldiers for their professionalism and integrity, stressing that the military remains committed to fighting terrorism without compromise.

In continued operations from July 9 to 16, troops carried out raids and patrols across several troubled areas in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa States. Twelve suspects were arrested, some terrorists neutralised, and three kidnapped victims rescued. Recovered items included arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and drugs.

In the oil-rich Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe recorded significant progress against oil theft. Within the same period, 42 suspects were arrested, and over 200,000 litres of stolen crude oil, along with large volumes of illegally refined petroleum products, were recovered.

Troops also destroyed 19 illegal refining sites and confiscated boats, storage tanks, drums, and vehicles used for crude oil theft. Kangye said the crackdown would continue until oil theft and vandalism are brought to a halt.

Additionally, troops arrested 28 oil thieves and several drug dealers in Bayelsa State and apprehended a notorious cult leader, Prince Johnson Ishirim, aka Commander Junior, in Rivers State. Multiple weapons, vehicles, and explosives were recovered in the operations.