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NIGERIAN TROOPS REFUSE N13 MILLION BRIBE FROM TERRORISTS IN PLATEAU STATE

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that Nigerian troops operating under Operation Safe Haven refused a bribe of over N13 million offered by terrorists during a mission in Plateau State. The incident occurred on July 9, 2025, while soldiers were responding to a distress call related to terrorist activity. According to Major-General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, “On 9 July 2025, our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along Jos, Sanga Road. Suspects attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification, while they declined. Troops arrested two suspects, recovered weapons, ammunition, a vehicle and the sum of N13,742,000.00 from them.” Kangye commended the troops’ integrity and commitment to duty during operations conducted across several local government areas. “Within the period 9 – 16 July 2025, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom and Jos East Local Government Areas of Plateau State as well as Kaura and Sanga Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.” The military also reported additional arrests during routine patrols in parts of Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states. “Similarly, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN while on routine patrol arrested 7 militias/criminals in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Wamba and Sanga LGAs of Nasarawa and Kaduna States respectively. Items recovered from them were weapons, ammunition and motorcycles as well as illicit drugs.” Kangye noted that investigations are ongoing, and all recovered items are currently in military custody. The troops’ refusal of the bribe is a testament to their professionalism and commitment to upholding the law.

NAF AIRSTRIKES CRUSH TERRORISTS IN NIGER STATE, PROTECT CIVILIAN LIVES

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a series of precision air strikes in Niger State, targeting terrorists behind recent attacks. The air strikes, which were conducted from June 24 to 26, 2025, were in support of ground troops and resulted in the neutralization of scores of terrorists. In a statement, Director Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the NAF identified terrorist activities involving attacks and cattle rustling in Kakihun and Kumbashi communities on June 26. Ejodame said, “Swiftly deploying air assets, the Air Component executed multiple waves of precision strikes that neutralized scores of terrorists, destroyed their logistics, and disrupted regrouping efforts.” The operation demonstrated the NAF’s professionalism, rapid response capability, and strong coordination with ground forces and other agencies. Ejodame noted that the NAF remains resolutely committed to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians and ensuring lasting peace across the country. The NAF’s swift action has been praised for its precision and effectiveness in targeting terrorist hideouts and disrupting their operations. The air strikes are part of the ongoing efforts by the NAF to enhance security and protect civilians in the region. Ejodame reiterated the NAF’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, saying, “The Nigerian Air Force remains resolutely committed to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians and ensuring lasting peace across the country.”

BENUE UNDER SIEGE: GOVERNOR ALIA RAISES ALARM OVER TERRORIST ATTACKS

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has sounded the alarm over the escalating security crisis in the state, describing it as a coordinated wave of terrorist attacks that go beyond the traditional herder-farmer clashes. Speaking on a Television Program, Governor Alia emphasized that the pattern and precision of the attacks point to a larger, more organized threat. “We are under siege,” Governor Alia exclaimed, highlighting the reliability of daily intelligence gathered, with 60 to 65% of it being accurate. According to him, the attacks are “directed, planned, and executed,” bearing all the hallmarks of terrorism. The governor described the attackers as professional killers engaging in hit-and-run tactics reminiscent of guerrilla warfare. “For some reason, none of them is ever caught, they come in in the thick of the night, hit, run, and nobody sees a trace. So, it is some terrorism that is eating us up,” he remarked. Governor Alia’s comments come amid growing concern over the deteriorating security situation in Benue and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. The state has witnessed a surge in violence in recent weeks, with multiple local government areas experiencing deadly assaults that have claimed numerous lives. The governor’s appeal for unity among the people of Benue State highlights the gravity of the situation. According to him, the nature of the violence has evolved into something far more insidious, necessitating a concerted effort to tackle the menace. Governor Alia’s frustration with the security situation is not new, having previously lamented the military’s inability to tame the killers. The governor’s latest statement underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to address the security challenges facing Benue State.

ARMED FORCES SCORE BIG WIN AGAINST TERRORISTS IN ZAMFARA STATE

The Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade, led by Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, has recorded a significant victory in its fight against terrorism in Zamfara State. In a daring operation, troops from Combat Team 6 engaged a large group of bandits in Mai Kwanugga village, Talata-Mafara Local Government Area, killing several terrorists, including five notorious bandit leaders. The neutralized bandit leaders were identified as Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza. The troops recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, a PKT Machine Gun, RPG tubes, and RPG bombs. Unfortunately, two civilians were caught in the crossfire and injured. In a separate incident, troops from Combat Team 2 responded to a protest in Dayau village, Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area, where residents had blocked a major road due to bandit attacks. The security team successfully dispersed the crowd, restored calm, and reopened the road. The Brigade Commander praised the bravery and professionalism of the troops, assuring citizens of the army’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the state. The military urged the public to provide credible information to security agencies and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

THREE CUSTOMS OFFICERS KILLED IN ISWAP TERRORIST AMBUSH IN KEBBI

The Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed the killing of three officers by suspected terrorists in Kebbi State. The ambush occurred in the Bashaka area of Argungu Local Government, where attackers opened fire, killing the officers and burning their patrol vehicles. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by ACG Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, raised concerns over the growing threat of ISWAP at the Babanna border in Niger State. Adeniyi emphasized the dangers posed by smuggled fuel, which enables terrorist movements. He revealed that customs officers narrowly escaped another ISWAP ambush after intercepting 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit valued at ₦25.9 million, allegedly meant for terrorists and bandits. “We urge stronger inter-agency cooperation and call on citizens to report suspicious activity, noting that some terrorists live among local communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states,” Adeniyi said. Pascal Chibuoke, Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, credited community cooperation for the operation’s success and appealed for more patrol equipment and communication tools to boost security efforts. The NCS chief highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling security challenges.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE NEUTRALISES SEVEN TERRORISTS, RECOVERS 23 ARMS AND AMMUNITION

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has neutralised seven terrorists and recovered 23 arms and ammunition in various parts of the country. According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police operatives attached to the Kebbi State Command trailed and engaged some kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of four kidnappers and the arrest of one with fatal injuries. The police also rescued the kidnapped victim, Umaru Bawa, aged 60, who was abducted from Gobiraje Village in Suru LGA of Kebbi State on February 14, 2025. The operatives recovered the cash sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) already paid to the kidnappers as ransom. In another operation, the police neutralised two Eastern Security Network (ESN) kingpins and recovered seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of assorted live ammunition in Imo State. The operation was carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Imo State Command, in collaboration with other security agencies. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the brave efforts of the operatives involved and emphasized the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime. He assured that the police would continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safer environment for all Nigerians. “The Force assures members of the public that these operations will continue with renewed vigour as it strives to ensure a safer environment for all Nigerians,” the IGP said. “As part of these ongoing efforts, the IGP has called for increased intelligence gathering, community engagement, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities by citizens.”

TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN NEUTRALISE NOTORIOUS KIDNAPPERS, RESCUE VICTIMS AND RECOVER WEAPONS

Troops of Operation Safe Haven have successfully rescued four kidnapped victims and neutralized two notorious kidnappers in an encounter along the Kafanchan-Kwoi road in Kaduna. The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 7 Command of Operation Safe Haven under the command of Major-General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding the Third Armoured Division in Jos, Plateau State. According to reports, the troops received a distress call on February 14, 2025, at about 2030 hours, regarding the kidnapping of some passengers along the Kafanchan-Kwoi road at Afana Daji Village in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The troops immediately mobilized to the area and conducted search operations, leading to the rescue of one of the victims with a gunshot wound. Based on credible intelligence, the troops conducted further offensive operations around Angwan Rimi Forest in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State on February 15, 2025, at about 1600 hours. During the encounter, the troops neutralized two of the kidnappers and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 8 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 10 mobile phones, foodstuffs, and a cash sum of One Million, One Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand Naira (#1,136,000.00) only. The rescued victims have been identified as Mathew Ayemowa, Tunde Salam, and Mustapha Mohammed. Troops are currently dominating the general area with mobile patrols to ensure the safety of the residents.