WorldStage Newsonline– Troops of Operation Safe Haven have been reported to have turned down a ₦13.7 million bribe allegedly offered by armed suspects intercepted in a bullet-riddled vehicle along the Jos–Sanga Road, the Defence Headquarters has said.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, while confirming this at a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, said two suspects were arrested, and troops recovered the cash, weapons, ammunition, and the vehicle.
Kangye said that within the period of 10–17 July 2025, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria killed several terrorists, while others were arrested. Troops also apprehended perpetrators of oil theft and rescued kidnapped hostages.
Meanwhile, in the Operation Delta Safe theatre, Kangye explained that troops foiled oil theft worth over ₦291,326,400.00.
“The breakdown indicates: 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 1,759 litres of DPK. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 16 boats, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, and 19 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 13 vehicles. Furthermore, 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms, ammunition, and some explosives were also recovered.”
In the Northeast, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, between 10–16 July 2025, carried out an aggressive joint task force operation which led to the arrest of terrorists’ logistics suppliers, recovery of weapons, dismantling of terrorist networks, and support for the safe resettlement of displaced persons.
According to Kangye, the operations led to the surrender of a large number of terrorists adult males and females, including children as operational tempo intensified across the theatre.
“Troops also conducted operations in Konduga, Marte, Ngala, Kala-Balge, Damboa, Chibok, and Askira Uba LGAs of Borno State, as well as Gujba, Geidam, and Damaturu LGAs of Yobe State. During the encounters, some terrorists were killed in action, 11 of their collaborators were arrested, while 7 kidnapped victims were rescued. Quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered. Troops also retrieved and safely detonated some IEDs, and the sum of ₦17,150.00 was recovered,” he said.
He added that two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, identified as Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were arrested in Liya, Biu LGA of Borno State while receiving a waybill from a truck driver, which corresponded with earlier intelligence about the consignment.
He said, “The items include 13 pairs of military uniforms and some high-voltage batteries, among others. Relatedly, another terrorist logistics supplier, 65-year-old Shaibu Bulama, was arrested at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State on 13 July 2025. As a result of sustained military operations in the Northeast theatre, 16 family members of terrorists including 4 adult females and 12 children surrendered to troops in Bama LGA on 14 July 2025.
“Similarly, in the Northwest, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, between 11–14 July 2025, responded to intelligence on terrorist activities in Gudu and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State, as well as Zurmi and Rafi LGAs of Zamfara and Niger States respectively.
“During these operations, some terrorists were killed, 6 were arrested, and 3 kidnapped victims were rescued. Additionally, while on routine patrol, troops made contact with terrorists in Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, Tsafe, and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State, as well as Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. Operations were also conducted in Mariga and Malumfashi LGAs of Niger and Katsina States respectively.
“During these operations, our gallant troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested 9 others, and rescued 4 kidnapped victims. Items recovered during the operations include arms, ammunition, and motorcycles, while other equipment was destroyed in situ.”
Also, on 10 July 2025, troops arrested three suspected gunrunners in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. They were found in possession of nine AK-47 rifles, over 450 rounds of assorted ammunition, and the sum of ₦365,600.00. On the same day, a notorious extremist and kidnapper identified as Gambo Sani was arrested in Toro LGA of Bauchi State.
