In a major victory for Nigeria’s ongoing security operations, troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have reportedly rejected a ₦13.7 million bribe offered by suspected bandits during a sweeping nationwide crackdown that has left dozens of criminal elements dead and several hideouts dismantled.
The development, confirmed by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) during a press briefing on Thursday, is being hailed as a significant morale booster in the country’s war against insurgency, banditry, and organized crime.
According to Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Media Operations, the attempted bribe occurred during a clearance operation in a forest corridor between Niger and Kaduna states, a notorious zone for bandit activity.
“Our troops were offered the sum of ₦13.7 million in cash by fleeing bandits in a desperate attempt to avoid arrest and recover seized weapons. The soldiers flatly rejected the offer and instead intensified their assault, leading to the neutralization of several high-profile targets,” he said.
The troops reportedly confiscated weapons, motorcycles, and logistics equipment from the criminals, along with the bribe money, which was handed over to military authorities as evidence.
In what appears to be a synchronized offensive, the military has launched a series of operations spanning the North-West, North-Central, and parts of the South, targeting bandit camps, kidnappers’ dens, and illegal arms markets.
Zamfara & Katsina: Over 25 bandits neutralized in air raids and ground assaults. Several women and children rescued from captivity.
Benue & Plateau: Troops dismantled camps of armed militias responsible for recent communal clashes.
FCT Surroundings: Military-police joint task force intercepted weapons and explosives headed towards the capital.
The bravery of the troops has drawn widespread commendation from Nigerians. On social media, hashtags like #HonorOurHeroes and #NoToBribery trended, as citizens praised the soldiers’ integrity.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), described the troops’ action as “a refreshing show of patriotism and discipline in a system too often plagued by corruption.”
Civil society groups have also urged the government to ensure that the soldiers involved are publicly recognized and adequately rewarded.
Military authorities say the ongoing operation is part of a broader strategy to restore confidence in the nation’s security architecture and send a clear signal to criminal networks.
“No amount of money will buy the loyalty of a committed Nigerian soldier,” said Brigadier General Gusau.
“We are focused, motivated, and determined to dismantle every threat to national security.”
While the latest crackdown marks a significant success, experts warn that long-term peace will require more than firepower. Issues of governance, community engagement, and local intelligence remain critical.
Nonetheless, the rejection of a multi-million naira bribe by troops on the frontline stands as a rare symbol of integrity—proof that, in the face of violence and corruption, honor still holds the line.
