Troops Reject ₦13.7m Bribe, Kill Bandits and Arrest Terrorist Collaborators in Nationwide Crackdown

Nigerian troops have continued their intensified crackdown on criminal elements across the country, rejecting a ₦13.7 million bribe from terrorists in Plateau State, killing two bandits in a separate gun battle, and arresting multiple suspects linked to arms trafficking and oil theft.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed the military’s latest operations during a briefing in Abuja, covering activities between July 9 and 16. In Plateau State, troops under Operation Safe Haven intercepted a bullet-riddled vehicle along the Jos–Sanga Road. Two suspects in the vehicle attempted to bribe the troops with ₦13,742,000 in cash, but the soldiers declined and took the suspects into custody. Weapons, ammunition, the vehicle, and the cash were all recovered and remain in military custody as investigations continue.

Troops also launched several offensive and responsive operations across Plateau and Kaduna states, resulting in the arrest of 12 suspects and the rescue of three kidnapped victims. Operations in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Wase South, Riyom, Jos East, Kaura, and Sanga led to the recovery of more weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles, and illicit drugs. Seven additional suspects were arrested during routine patrols in Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Wamba, and Sanga.

In a separate engagement in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau, troops acting on credible intelligence laid an ambush and killed two bandits during a shootout. Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for the Military Special Taskforce, confirmed that weapons and ammunition were recovered, while fleeing suspects may have sustained injuries and are being pursued.

In Borno State, two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were arrested in Biu while allegedly receiving a consignment meant for terrorists. The delivery included 13 military uniforms and high-voltage batteries. The suspects, identified as Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were caught following prior intelligence. Similarly, in Yobe State, troops arrested Shaibu Bulama, a 65-year-old suspected logistics supplier, at Damasak Motor Park. Arms, ammunition, and ₦17,150,000 in cash were recovered, along with the successful detonation of improvised explosive devices.

In Bama Local Government Area of Borno, four women and 12 children—family members of terrorists—surrendered to the military. Preliminary findings indicated they came from Bakura Jega village in response to the military’s sustained operations in the Northeast.

Efforts against oil theft also saw major gains. Troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 42 suspects and recovered 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 1,759 litres of kerosene. They also destroyed 19 illegal refining sites, along with associated equipment and vehicles used in the illicit trade.

In the South-South, a notorious cult leader known as Commander Junior, whose real name is Prince Johnson Ishirim, was arrested alongside 13 other suspects in Rivers and Delta states. Operations in Bayelsa led to the arrest of 28 oil thieves and several drug dealers during a raid on July 10.

Meanwhile, in Anambra State, troops arrested a tax collector allegedly working for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. The suspect was apprehended in Ihiala Local Government Area with ₦1.5 million in suspected proceeds from illegal levies.

The military continues to maintain pressure on criminal networks nationwide, with ongoing operations targeting terrorism, arms smuggling, oil theft, and other forms of organized crime.