.As FCT Police refuse N1.5m bribe, arrest man over alleged attempt to prevent justice in kidnap case
…Abia police arrest suspects over criminal conspiracy, armed robbery
Jonas Ezieke, Abuja and Steve Unegbu, Umuahia
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of Operation Safe Haven rejected a bribe of N13.7 million offered by terrorists during an operation along the Jos-Sanga Road in Plateau.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this while briefing journalists on military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja.
Kangye said the troops had responded to a distress call about terrorist activities when they intercepted two terrorists who attempted to bribe them with N13.7 million.
He added that the troops also conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau.
According to him, the troops similarly conducted offensive operations in Kaura and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State.
He said during the operations, the troops engaged extremists, killed some, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued three kidnapped victims.
“Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them.
“Similarly, troops of Operation Safe Haven while on routine patrol arrested seven 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.
“On July 9, our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along Jos, Sanga Road. Suspects attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification, which they declined.”
He said, “Troops arrested two suspects, recovered weapons, ammunition, a vehicle and the sum of N13.7 million from them.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the recovered items are in the custody of the troops,” he said.
Kangye commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism in apprehending the criminals.
“As the Nigerian military intensifies efforts to conclude these operations, I urge the public to continue cooperating with security agencies, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
“The support of all Nigerians, including the media, is crucial to the overall success of our mission.
“We will continue to provide timely updates and ensure transparency throughout the operation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory FCT Police Command operatives have arrested one Yahaya Saleh, a 40-year-old man, for attempting to bribe police investigators with the sum of One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,500,000) in a desperate bid to secure the release of a kidnap suspect currently under investigation.
This was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists by the Command Spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh on Thursday in Abuja
The arrest she said was made following a discreet operation by officers Commands Scorpion Squad, who had been handling the ongoing investigation into a kidnapping syndicate operating within FCT and its environs.
Yahaya Saleh approached the investigators and offered the bribe as an inducement to compromise the case and unlawfully release one of the arrested suspects.
Demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice, the officers promptly declined the offer and initiated necessary legal procedures, leading to Saleh’s immediate arrest.
While an investigation is ongoing to arrest other actors in the syndicate, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S Adewale commended the officers for their exemplary conduct and assured the public that the command remains resolute in its stance against corruption and interference with justice.
…Abia police arrest suspects over criminal conspiracy, armed robbery
In another development, the Abia State Police Command has apprehended Suspects over Criminal Conspiracy and Armed Robbery as well as recovered firearms.
They also raided Criminal hideouts along Uturu/Isuikwuato Axis.
In a release by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma,
the suspects are :Jerry Chisom, male, 32 years of Umagu Ogwuelle Abia State, Tochukwu Ugula, male, 32 years of Amaidi Achara Uturu Abia state,Chinonso Nwankwo, male, 28 years of Nbaka Ugwuelle Uturu Abia State, Kingsley Onyekeba, male, 19 years of Arondizuogu Ideato Imo State.
The release read that Recovered exhibits are ,one locally made pistol
,one knife, one iPhone 7 Plus, One Infinix phone ,One laptop.
Part of the release states that ” On 16/07/2025 at about 15:49hrs, following a report received at the Uturu Divisional Police Headquarters regarding a group of suspected armed robbers who have been terrorizing and dispossessing students of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) and other residents of their belongings,
“Officers from the Uturu Divisional Headquarters, in collaboration with local residents, led by the Divisional Police Officer, successfully traced the hideout of the suspects and apprehended four male suspects:Jerry Chisom, male (32 years)
Tochukwu Ugula, male
(32 years)
Chinonso Nwankwo male
(28 years) Kingsley Onyekeba, male
(19 years)
and recovered from them one locally made pistol,one knife, one iPhone 7 Plus,one Infinix phone and
one laptop
Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices”
Also the release notes that ” In connection with the ongoing raids along the Uturu/Isuikwuato axis, the Command has also identified and dismantled other criminal camps in order to rid the area of criminal elements and their activities”
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa has urged the good people of Abia State to continue to partner with the police and to report any suspicious persons and activities through the Command’s Emergency Hotlines:
08079210006.
