The Nigerian Army has rewarded a soldier, Private Utim Terwase, with ₦500,000 for rejecting a bribe offered by a suspected kidnapper attempting to escape arrest.
The reward was presented on Wednesday by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana.
According to the report, Terwase apprehended the suspect, who allegedly offered him ₦500,000 in exchange for his release. The soldier rejected the offer and handed the suspect over to the appropriate authorities.
Army Commends Soldier’s Integrity
Confirming the development, OPEP spokesperson, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, said the reward was presented on behalf of the GOC by the Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi.
Dangana commended Terwase for demonstrating honesty, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of his duties.
“The soldier’s conduct reflects the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty expected of personnel of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
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He added that the soldier had upheld the values of honesty, accountability and selfless service rather than compromise his responsibility for personal gain.
Reward Matches Rejected Bribe
The GOC said the ₦500,000 reward was in recognition of Terwase’s integrity and commitment to duty. The amount was equivalent to the bribe he reportedly rejected.
“Operation Enduring Peace therefore considers Private Terwase’s action worthy of commendation and encourages all personnel to emulate his exemplary conduct,” Dangana said.
He added that the recognition was part of the operation’s commitment to promoting accountability, ethical conduct and professionalism among its personnel.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging personnel to carry out their constitutional responsibilities with integrity, discipline and dedication.
