Army Rewards Soldier ₦500,000 for Rejecting Kidnapper’s Bribe to Secure His Freedom

The Nigerian Army has rewarded Private Utim Terwase with ₦500,000 for rejecting a bribe allegedly offered by a notorious kidnapper in exchange for his freedom.

Terwase reportedly intercepted the suspected kidnapper while he was attempting to escape but refused the money offered to facilitate his release. He subsequently handed the suspect over to the appropriate authorities.

The recognition was approved by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana.

The cash reward was presented on behalf of the GOC by the Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi. The operation’s spokesperson, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, also confirmed the development.

Dangana commended the soldier for placing his military responsibility above personal interest, describing his conduct as a demonstration of discipline, integrity and professionalism.

He said Terwase’s actions reflected the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty expected of Nigerian Army personnel.

According to him, rather than compromise his responsibility for personal gain, the soldier upheld the values of honesty, accountability and selfless service.

The GOC further disclosed that the ₦500,000 reward presented to Terwase was equivalent to the amount he had rejected as a bribe.

He urged other military personnel to emulate the soldier’s conduct, stressing that Operation Enduring Peace would continue to uphold integrity, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of its responsibilities.