Troops of Operation Safe Haven deployed in Plateau and other North Central states have rejected a N13.7 million bribe from terrorists attempting to secure their release.
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, where two suspects were intercepted and attempted to bribe the soldiers with cash, which was rejected.
While briefing newsmen at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Kangye said the troops also conducted raids and responded to attacks across Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State.
He said several extremists were killed, 12 suspects arrested, and three kidnapped victims rescued, in addition to the recovered arms, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles.
Major-General Kangye 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.
He explained that eleven terrorist collaborators were also apprehended, and seven hostages freed, adding that on Monday, 16 relatives of terrorists-including four women and 12 children-surrendered in Bama LGA.
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.
He further added that the Defence Headquarters does not recognise the Turkish claims as official or verified.