Nigerian Troops Reject N13.7 Million Terrorist Bribe in Plateau State
In a powerful display of integrity and unwavering professionalism, troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau State have reportedly rejected a staggering N13.7 million bribe offered by suspected terrorists. This commendable act, confirmed by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), stands as a beacon of hope amid Nigeria's persistent battles with insecurity and corruption, reinforcing the commitment of some military personnel to their sworn duty.
The Incident: A Test of Integrity
The incident unfolded on July 9, 2025, along the Jos-Sanga Road in Plateau State. Vigilant OPSH troops on routine duty intercepted a vehicle bearing suspicious bullet holes. The vehicle's occupants, believed to be terrorists, swiftly attempted to compromise the soldiers, offering a hefty sum of N13,742,000.00 to secure their passage and evade arrest.
However, the soldiers, demonstrating exemplary adherence to their oath of service, firmly refused the illicit offer. Instead, they proceeded to courageously arrest two suspects and successfully recovered the weapons, ammunition, the vehicle, and the entire bribe money. Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing, with all recovered items remaining in military custody.
Significance: A Win for Professionalism and Public Trust
This act of refusing a substantial bribe from those engaged in terrorism holds immense significance:
Upholding Integrity: It serves as a powerful testament to the integrity and professionalism of the troops involved, bolstering public confidence in the military's dedication to its mandate.
Boost to Counter-Terrorism: The incident marks a tangible success in the ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality, particularly crucial for Plateau State, which has been grappling with various security challenges, including banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and other forms of violence.
Ethical Standard: The Defence Headquarters, through Major General Markus Kangye (Director of Defence Media Operations), has rightly commended the troops for their courage and ethical conduct, emphasizing the military's unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and criminality while maintaining stringent ethical standards.
OPSH: On the Frontlines of Peace
The troops involved are part of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a multi-agency security task force specifically mandated to restore and maintain peace across Plateau State and parts of Kaduna and Nasarawa States. Its broad mandate includes curbing ethno-religious conflicts, banditry, and other criminal activities.
Recent OPSH operations, conducted between July 9 and 16, 2025, have seen troops undertake various offensive actions and respond to distress calls across several Local Government Areas in Plateau and Kaduna States. These operations have resulted in the engagement and neutralization of some extremists, the arrest of 12 suspects, the rescue of three kidnapped victims, and the recovery of various weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles.
While military operations in the region continue to face significant challenges, including the elusive nature of armed groups and difficult terrain, incidents like this rejected bribe powerfully underscore that a core of dedicated personnel within the Nigerian military remains resolute in its mission to combat insecurity without compromise.
