In a decisive series of military operations across the country, Nigerian troops have rejected a ₦13.7 million bribe offered by terrorists in Plateau State, eliminated two armed bandits in a firefight, and apprehended several suspects — including two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) — involved in arms trafficking in Borno State.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed these developments during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, covering military activities from July 9 to 16, 2025.

According to Kangye, troops of Operation Safe Haven intercepted a bullet-ridden vehicle along the Jos–Sanga Road after responding to a distress call. The suspects inside attempted to bribe the soldiers with ₦13,742,000, which was firmly rejected. Weapons, ammunition, and cash were recovered, and the two suspects were taken into custody.

He stated, “Our troops intercepted a vehicle riddled with bullet holes along Jos–Sanga Road. During the encounter, the suspects attempted to induce the troops with money. The soldiers refused, arrested the suspects, and seized weapons, cash, and the vehicle. The case is currently under investigation.”

Further operations in Plateau and Kaduna states led to the arrest of 12 suspected criminals and the rescue of three kidnapped individuals. Offensive missions and patrols were conducted in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, South Wase, and Jos East LGAs in Plateau, and Kaura and Sanga LGAs in Kaduna.

In another successful mission, soldiers laid an ambush in Nteng, Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State, neutralising two bandits following credible intelligence of a planned attack. The encounter resulted in the recovery of weapons and ammunition, with other gang members fleeing with injuries.

Maj. Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for the Military Special Taskforce, confirmed the killing, adding that troops were in pursuit of the fleeing bandits.

Meanwhile, in Borno State, two NURTW members — Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed — were arrested in Biu LGA while collecting a suspicious package from a truck driver. The shipment contained 13 military uniforms and high-voltage batteries, believed to be destined for terrorist groups.

In Yobe State, troops apprehended a 65-year-old suspected logistics supplier for terrorists, Shaibu Bulama, at Damasak Motor Park. Arms, ammunition, and ₦17,150,000 in cash were seized. Several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also discovered and safely detonated.

Elsewhere in Borno, four women and 12 children — all believed to be members of terrorist families — surrendered to troops in Bama LGA. Preliminary investigations suggest they came from Bakura Jega village.

In the South, troops of Operation Delta Safe continued their clampdown on oil theft. Over the past week, 42 suspects were arrested, and massive quantities of stolen crude and illegally refined petroleum products were recovered.

Key seizures include:

201,345 litres of stolen crude oil

29,730 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO)

1,759 litres of kerosene (DPK)

18 illegal refining ovens, 32 pits, 21 tanks, and 19 refining sites

Troops also recovered several pumping and drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, 13 vehicles, mobile phones, and a range of weapons and explosives.

Major General Kangye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting logistics channels, and restoring peace across the country.