Paragraph 1: Military Operations Yield Significant Results Against Criminal Networks
The Nigerian military has launched a robust offensive against criminal networks across the country, achieving notable successes in disrupting terrorist activities, apprehending suspected criminals, and recovering substantial amounts of illicit materials. In a press briefing on Thursday, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, detailed the military’s accomplishments during the week of July 9-16, 2025. These operations, spanning various regions, included thwarting bribe attempts by terrorists, neutralizing bandits in direct combat, arresting suspected arms couriers, and disrupting illegal oil bunkering activities. The military’s unwavering commitment to upholding law and order has demonstrably impacted the security landscape, sending a strong message of zero tolerance to criminal elements.
Paragraph 2: Thwarting Terrorist Activities and Bribery Attempts in Plateau State
Operation Safe Haven, a military task force operating in Plateau State, played a pivotal role in these successful operations. Troops acted swiftly on a distress call regarding terrorist activities, intercepting a suspicious vehicle riddled with bullet holes along the Jos-Sanga Road. The occupants of the vehicle, two suspected terrorists, attempted to bribe the troops with a staggering N13,742,000 in exchange for their freedom. The troops, demonstrating unwavering integrity, rejected the bribe and apprehended the suspects. Weapons, ammunition, and the bribe money were seized, and an investigation is currently underway. This incident underscores the military’s commitment to ethical conduct and refusal to succumb to corruption.
Paragraph 3: Further Operations and Arrests in Plateau and Surrounding Areas
Operation Safe Haven continued its offensive against criminal elements in Plateau State and its environs. They carried out operations and responded to distress calls in several local government areas, including Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East in Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Sanga in Kaduna State. These operations resulted in the arrest of twelve suspected terrorists and the rescue of three kidnapped victims. Furthermore, routine patrols led to the apprehension of seven suspected militias and criminals in Barkin Ladi and Jos South in Plateau, as well as Wamba in Nasarawa State and Sanga in Kaduna State. Recovered items included weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs.
Paragraph 4: Neutralizing Bandits and Intercepting Arms Couriers in the North
Based on credible intelligence of an impending attack, troops in Plateau State executed a successful ambush, neutralizing two bandits in Nteng, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area. The remaining bandits fled the scene, potentially carrying gunshot wounds. Troops recovered dangerous weapons and ammunition during the operation and are actively pursuing the fleeing bandits. In Borno State, two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were arrested in Biu for allegedly transporting military uniforms and equipment to terrorists. The suspects, apprehended while receiving a shipment, were found in possession of 13 pairs of military uniforms and high-voltage batteries, among other items. This highlights the military’s vigilance in disrupting logistical support networks for terrorist groups.
Paragraph 5: Disrupting Terrorist Logistics and Addressing Insurgency in the Northeast
Further disrupting terrorist logistics, troops arrested a 65-year-old suspected terrorist logistics supplier, Shaibu Bulama, at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State. Arms, ammunition, and N17,150,000 were recovered during this operation, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were safely detonated. The sustained military operations in the Northeast also prompted the surrender of 16 family members of terrorists, including four adult females and 12 children, in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State. The group, reportedly from Bakura Jega village, surrendered due to the ongoing pressure from military operations. These surrenders indicate a potential weakening of terrorist influence in the region.
Paragraph 6: Combating Oil Theft and Criminal Activities in the South
Operation Delta Safe, focused on combating oil theft and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, also recorded significant successes. Troops apprehended 42 suspected oil thieves and recovered substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products. Several illegal refining sites, cooking ovens, storage tanks, and other equipment used in oil theft were discovered and destroyed. In addition, troops apprehended a notorious cult leader, Prince Johnson Ishirim, also known as Commander Junior, and 13 other suspected criminals and kidnappers in Rivers and Delta states. In the Southeast, troops apprehended a tax collector for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Anambra State. The suspect, allegedly tasked with collecting levies from residents, was found with N1.5 million. The combined efforts across different regions demonstrate the comprehensive nature of the military’s operations against a wide array of criminal activities.
