The Nigerian Army has rewarded Private Utim Terwase with ₦500,000 for refusing an alleged ₦500,000 bribe offered by a suspected notorious kidnapper in Plateau State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Terwase reportedly apprehended the suspect after an attempted escape but declined the money allegedly offered in exchange for the suspect’s release.
Instead, the soldier handed the suspect over to the appropriate authorities, choosing to uphold his duty rather than compromise his responsibility.
The cash reward was presented on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana, by the Commander of Sector 6, OPEP, Colonel Philimon Malgwi.
Speaking during the presentation, Dangana said the soldier’s conduct reflected the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty expected of Nigerian Army personnel.
He commended Terwase for demonstrating honesty, accountability and selfless service by refusing to compromise his responsibilities, describing his action as worthy of recognition and emulation.
The GOC urged officers and soldiers serving under Operation Enduring Peace to follow the soldier’s example, stressing that the recognition was part of efforts to promote accountability, ethical conduct and professionalism in carrying out the operation’s constitutional responsibilities.
The ₦500,000 reward, which matches the amount the soldier reportedly rejected as a bribe, underscores the Army’s commitment to recognising integrity and dedication to duty among its personnel.
