Military rewards soldier for rejecting kidnapper’s N500,000 bribe

Private Utim Terwase, a soldier of Benue indigene from Benue in NorthCentral Nigeria, has been rewarded with the sum of N500,000 for rejecting the same amount of N500,000 bribe offered him by a notorious kidnapper.

The reward by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of “Operation Enduring Peace” (OPEP), Maj-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, was in recognition of Terwase’s patriotism in the course of discharging his duties.

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Private Terwase was said to have arrested the kidnapper as he tried to escape and offered a bribe in exchange for his release, but Terwase declined and handed him over to the appropriate authorities.

This was confirmed in a statement by the Spokesman of “Operation Enduring Peace”, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, stating that the reward was presented on behalf of the GOC by the commander of Sector 6, Col. Philimon Malgwi.

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Oteh said Dangana, who spoke through Malgwi during the presentation, commended the soldier for demonstrating honesty, discipline and professionalism.

He said, “The soldier’s conduct reflects the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty expected of personnel of the Nigerian Army.”

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

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

He said, “Operation Enduring Peace therefore considers Private Terwase’s action worthy of commendation and encourages all personnel to emulate his exemplary conduct.”

Dangana further said the recognition reinforced the operation’s commitment to promoting accountability, ethical conduct and professionalism among its personnel.

The GOC promised rewards for soldiers showing integrity in order to encourage them.

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