Army rewards soldier with N500,000 for rejecting kidnapper’s bribe

The Nigerian Army has rewarded a soldier, Private Utim Terwase, with N500,000 for rejecting an alleged bribe offered by a suspected kidnapper he apprehended.

The soldier reportedly turned down the money when the suspect attempted to escape and offered him N500,000 to secure his release, before handing him over to the appropriate authorities.

The reward was presented on Wednesday by the Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi, on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, said Dangana commended Terwase for demonstrating honesty, discipline and professionalism.

Army destroys kidnappers’ camp in Kogi

According to Oteh, the GOC described the soldier’s conduct as a reflection of the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty.

“Rather than compromise his responsibility for personal gain, he upheld the values of honesty, accountability and selfless service by discharging his duties responsibly,” Dangana said.

The GOC said the N500,000 reward was in recognition of the soldier’s integrity and commitment to duty, noting that the amount was equivalent to the bribe he reportedly rejected.

He urged other personnel to emulate Terwase’s conduct, describing his action as worthy of commendation.

Dangana added that the recognition was part of efforts to promote accountability, ethical conduct and professionalism among personnel of Operation Enduring Peace.

He assured that the military would continue to encourage officers and soldiers to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with integrity, discipline and dedication.