Troops rejected ₦13.7m bribe from terrorists, kill bandits in nationwide crackdown
The military high command, on Thursday, said troops of Operation Safe Haven, deployed in Plateau and other North Central states, rejected a ₦13.7 million bribe from terrorists attempting to secure their release.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, said the incident occurred on July 9 when troops responded to a distress call about terrorist activity.
Two suspects were intercepted and attempted to bribe the soldiers with cash, which was rejected, he said.
Kangye, while briefing newsmen at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, said the troops also conducted raids and responded to attacks across Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State.
READ ALSO: Troops arrest terrorists, gunrunners in Kaduna
He said several extremists were killed, 12 suspects arrested, and three kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also recovered arms, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles.
He also said in Borno State, troops under Operation Hadin Kai arrested two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Liya, Biu LGA, for allegedly transporting arms to terrorists.
“Eleven terrorist collaborators were also apprehended, and seven hostages freed. On Monday, 16 relatives of terrorists-including four women and 12 children-surrendered in Bama LGA,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command arrested a suspected Lakurawa bandit and recovered an AK-49 rifle with ammunition during an intelligence-led operation. The suspect reportedly confessed to multiple violent crimes.
Responding to recent Turkish allegations that members of what it called the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation operate in Nigeria under educational and healthcare fronts, Kangye clarified that Nigeria remains sovereign and capable of making independent security decisions.
READ ALSO: Troops eliminate 24 insurgents in Borno, Adamawa raids
He added that the Defence Headquarters does not recognise the Turkish claims as official or verified.
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