The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that troops under Operation Safe Haven rejected a bribe of ₦13.7 million offered by two terror suspects intercepted in Plateau State during a recent operation.

The disclosure was made on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during a briefing in Abuja on nationwide military operations conducted between July 9 and 16, 2025.

According to Kangye, the incident occurred along the Jos–Sanga road on July 9, when soldiers stopped a vehicle riddled with bullet holes. On inspecting the vehicle, troops discovered weapons and ammunition. Two suspects in the vehicle allegedly attempted to bribe the soldiers with ₦13,742,000. The offer was rejected, and the suspects were taken into custody.

“The troops refused the inducement,” Kangye said. “They arrested the suspects, and the weapons, ammunition, vehicle, and the cash were all recovered. The suspects are currently under investigation.”

The operation was part of a broader offensive across several local government areas in Plateau and Kaduna states, including Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East in Plateau, as well as Kaura and Sanga in Kaduna.

Kangye reported that the troops engaged in multiple encounters with terrorists during this period, leading to the killing of several insurgents, the arrest of 12 suspects, and the rescue of three kidnapped victims. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were also recovered.

He further noted that additional arrests were made during routine patrols in Barkin Ladi and Jos South in Plateau, and in Wamba and Sanga in Nasarawa and Kaduna states. The arrested individuals were reportedly in possession of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs.

“The recovered items are in the custody of the troops and ongoing investigations will determine the next course of action,” Kangye added.

The DHQ also reiterated its stance against negotiating with terrorists, stating that its operations remain focused on dismantling criminal networks and restoring security in troubled regions.