The Military Special Task Force in charge of keeping security in Plateau State said on Tuesday that it had awarded eight Operation Safe Haven troops for rejecting a N1.5 million bribe from suspected cattle rustlers in the state.
Capt. Oya James, the task force’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Tuesday that the eight troops stationed at OPSH Sector 4 intercepted 30 rustled cows at Bisichi checkpoint in the Barkin Ladi local government area of the state.
According to him, the cattle, owned by Shehu Umar, were rustled in Mangu and were being moved to a secret place when they were caught by task force troops conducting a stop and search operation.
“The occupants of the vehicle, Anas Usman, 20 years old, and Gyang Cholly, 42 years old, immediately approached the troops in a bid to bribe them and secure a security pass for the stolen cattle. The monetary plea was rejected and the suspects were arrested as well as the money offered for the bribe.
“The commander, Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Abubakar, while presenting a cash reward to the distinguished personnel, urged other security personnel to continually exemplify good conduct and bravery in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Represented by the Chief of Staff OPSH, Brig. Gen. M.O. Agi, the commander further charged them to emulate the excellent conduct of the eight personnel,” the task force spokesperson stated.
cc: Punch Ng