Nigerian troops reject N13.7m bribe, neutralize bandits, arrest arms couriers in major operations

Nigerian troops have achieved significant victories in their ongoing fight against criminal elements across the country, marked by a display of integrity and decisive action.

In a series of recent operations, soldiers notably rejected a N13.7 million bribe from suspected terrorists in Plateau State, neutralized two bandits in a gun battle, and arrested suspected arms couriers, including members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), in Borno State.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, provided details of recent military operations conducted from July 9 to 16, 2025, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Gen. Kangye reported a key incident where troops from Operation Safe Haven, responding to a distress call about terrorist activities, intercepted a vehicle riddled with bullet holes along the Jos–Sanga Road in Plateau State.

During the encounter, two suspects in the vehicle attempted to bribe the troops with N13,742,000 to secure their freedom.

“On 9 July 2025, our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along Jos, Sanga Road. Suspects attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification, but they declined,” Kangye stated.

He confirmed that the troops arrested both suspects, recovering weapons, ammunition, the vehicle, and the entire N13,742,000 bribe money. Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

Operation Safe Haven troops also conducted extensive offensive operations and responded to numerous distress calls concerning terrorist activities in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs in Kaduna State.

During these operations, some extremists were killed, 12 suspects were arrested, and three kidnapped victims were rescued.

Recovered items included various weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles.

Furthermore, routine patrols led to the arrest of seven suspected militias and criminals in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau, and Wamba and Sanga LGAs of Nasarawa and Kaduna states, respectively.

Additional weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs were recovered from these individuals.

In a separate, intelligence-led operation, troops laid an ambush in Nteng, Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State, resulting in the neutralization of two bandits after a gunfight.

Major Samson Zhakom, spokesman for the Military Special Taskforce, confirmed this success, adding that dangerous weapons and ammunition were recovered.

Troops are actively pursuing other fleeing bandits.

In the Northeast, a critical breakthrough saw the arrest of two NURTW members in Biu, Borno State, who were allegedly caught ferrying military uniforms and equipment to terrorists.

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Gen. Kangye also reported a significant development on the counter-insurgency front: “As a result of sustained military operations in the Northeast theatre, 16 family members of terrorists, including four adult females and 12 children, surrendered to troops in Bama LGA on July 14, 2025.”

Preliminary investigations suggest this group surrendered from Bakura Jega village.

The fight against oil theft also saw considerable success, with Operation Delta Safe troops apprehending 42 suspected oil thieves in the past week.

Large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products were recovered, specifically 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 1,759 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

The troops also discovered and destroyed 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 16 boats, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, and 19 illegal refining sites.

Other recovered items included pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 13 vehicles. In addition to the oil thieves, 42 other criminals were arrested, and various arms, ammunition, and explosives were recovered.

Further extending their reach, troops apprehended a notorious cult leader identified as Prince Johnson Ishirim, known as Commander Junior, along with 13 other suspected criminals/kidnappers in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers, and Oshimili, Warri South, and Ukwani LGAs of Delta State.

Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles were recovered from these arrests.

Troops also raided a criminal hideout in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa on July 10, arresting 28 oil thieves and several drug dealers.

In the Southeast, troops successfully arrested a tax collector for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

The suspect was allegedly commissioned by the separatist group to collect levies from residents, and N1.5 million was recovered from him.