From Yakubu Busari, Jos
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military special taskforce maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States, have rejected a N1.5 million bribe from suspected cattle rustlers in Plateau State.
The cattle rustlers were caught during a stop and search operations by the troops during an interception of a lorry load of cattles in the war torn Barkin Ladi local government area of the state
Media Officer of the OPSH, Capt. James Oya, on Wednesday said the troops, deployed at OPSH Sector Four, also arrested the two suspected rustlers who offered them bribes.
He said, ”The cattle, belonging to one Shehu Umar, were rustled in Mangu and were being transported to an undisclosed location when intercepted by own troops on a stop and search operation.
”The suspects, Anas Usman, 20, and Gyang Cholly, 42, 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 arrested as well as the money offered for the bribe.”
He explained that the eight personnel, who rejected the bribe, were not only commended but rewarded by the Commander of the operation, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar.
During the reward presentation, he urged all security personnel to emulate the bravery and integrity exhibited by the eight individuals in the line of duty.
”OPSH has rewarded eight of its personnel for rejecting a N1.5 million bribe from suspected cattle rustlers in Plateau. The eight personnel, deployed at OPSH Sector Four, intercepted 30 rustled cows at a checkpoint near Bisichi in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.
Representing OPSH Commander, Brigadier General MO Agi, the Chief of Staff OPSH, emphasised the importance of upholding ethical standards in the discharge of security responsibilities.
