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Nigerian Army rewards Private Utim Terwase with ₦500,000 for rejecting an alleged kidnapper’s bribe.
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The soldier reportedly apprehended the suspect after an attempted escape and handed him over to the authorities.
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Major General Maxwell Dangana commends his integrity and urges other soldiers to follow his example.
The Nigerian Army has rewarded a soldier, Private Utim Terwase, with ₦500,000 for demonstrating integrity after rejecting an alleged bribe offered by a suspected notorious kidnapper in exchange for his release.
The reward was presented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana, in recognition of the soldier’s honesty and commitment to duty.
Military sources said Terwase apprehended the suspected kidnapper following an attempted escape. However, when the suspect allegedly offered him money to secure his freedom, the soldier refused to compromise his responsibility and handed him over to the appropriate authorities.
Army Commends Soldier’s Integrity
The spokesman for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, confirmed the development, saying the ₦500,000 reward was presented on behalf of the GOC by the Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi.
Oteh said Dangana commended Terwase for demonstrating honesty, discipline and professionalism despite the alleged financial inducement.
According to the GOC, the soldier’s decision to reject the money reflected the standards of conduct expected of Nigerian Army personnel, particularly their responsibility to protect lives, enforce security and uphold the law.
He noted that Terwase could have compromised his duty for personal financial gain but instead chose to act in the interest of his service and the country.
Reward Matches the Alleged Bribe
Dangana said the ₦500,000 presented to the soldier was equivalent to the amount he reportedly rejected from the suspected kidnapper.
The Army chief described the recognition as a way of encouraging honesty and accountability among military personnel, stressing that soldiers must remain committed to their responsibilities regardless of the financial incentives or other inducements they may encounter.
He also urged other personnel participating in Operation Enduring Peace to emulate Terwase’s conduct by maintaining discipline and refusing any attempt to undermine their assignments.
Army Reaffirms Commitment to Professional Conduct
Dangana further said the recognition demonstrated the military operation’s commitment to promoting ethical behaviour, transparency and professionalism among its personnel.
He maintained that the Nigerian Army would continue to encourage officers and soldiers to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with integrity, dedication and a strong sense of accountability.
The recognition also sends a message about the importance of resisting corruption within security institutions, particularly as military personnel continue to play critical roles in tackling kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
