The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that troops of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State turned down a N13.7 million bribe offered by terrorists during an operation along the Jos–Sanga Road in Plateau State.
This comes as the claims by the Turkish government that the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) is operating out of Nigeria has been described as untrue by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
The claims were made recently by Turkey’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, but Defence Headquarters through
Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, told journalists on Thursday that the DHQ does not recognize Poroy’s claims as official or substantiated.
“This is in response to the ambassador’s recent comments suggesting that FETO operates in Nigeria through educational and healthcare institutions,” Kangye said.
Poroy had made the remarks at a dinner in Abuja on Tuesday, held to commemorate Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day. He warned that the group, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, posed a threat to any country it operates in—especially in the education and health sectors.
According to Kangye, while Turkey has continued to brief Nigerian authorities on what it sees as FETO’s subversive activities, the Nigerian military considers these claims unofficial.
“Everyone has the freedom to express themselves. But Nigeria is a sovereign nation that will not be swayed by unverified foreign assertions,” Kangye stressed. “Our national security decisions are based on our own intelligence and priorities.”
He warned against adopting foreign narratives that could harm national integrity or spread mistrust, pointing out that global propaganda and psychological operations are increasingly common.
“Nigeria evaluates every claim independently. We are fully capable of determining threats to our security,” he added.
Kangye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism on its own terms, while maintaining strong but independent diplomatic and security relationships with international partners.
On the bribe rejected by troops, Kangye said that the men had responded to a distress call and intercepted two terrorists who attempted to bribe them. The soldiers refused the bribe and arrested the suspects, recovering weapons, ammunition, a vehicle, and the cash.
“While investigations continue, all recovered items are in military custody,” Kangye confirmed.
He also noted that troops had conducted several successful operations across Plateau and Kaduna States, including in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, Jos East, Kaura, and Sanga LGAs. During these missions, they engaged extremists, killed several, arrested 12 suspects, rescued three kidnapped victims, and recovered arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs.
Routine patrols also led to the arrest of seven militia members and criminals in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States.
Kangye commended the troops for their professionalism and urged the public to continue supporting security efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
“The military will maintain transparency and continue providing regular updates as operations progress,” he assured.
