Soldier who rejected kidnapper’s N500,000 bribe rewarded with same amount

For Private Utim Terwase, refusing a N500,000 bribe offered by a suspected kidnapper, has earned him the same amount in recognition of his honesty and commitment to duty.

The soldier, who reportedly rejected the money offered in exchange for the suspect’s release, has been rewarded with N500,000 by the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Maj. Gen. Maxwell Dangana.

Terwase was said to have apprehended the suspect following an attempted escape. When the suspect allegedly offered him N500,000 to secure his freedom, the soldier turned down the offer and handed him over to the appropriate authorities.

Impressed by his conduct, Dangana approved a cash reward equivalent to the amount he had refused to collect, describing his action as an example of the integrity, discipline and professionalism expected of military personnel.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued yesterday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Rukuba Barracks, Jos, Capt. Chinonso Polycarp Oteh.
Presenting the reward through the Commander of Sector 6, OPEP, Col. Philimon Malgwi, Dangana said Terwase’s decision to resist the temptation of personal gain reflected the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty.

He said the soldier had demonstrated that his responsibility to the nation and the values of the military were more important than personal financial benefits.

According to him, the commendation is intended to encourage other personnel to uphold similar standards of honesty, accountability and selfless service.

Oteh said the reward also sent a strong message that integrity and professionalism remained values worthy of recognition, particularly at a time when corruption continued to undermine public trust.

He described Terwase’s action as proof that integrity was a personal choice, even when faced with temptation.

“A soldier who refused N500,000 in dirty money has earned N500,000 in honour. Indeed, integrity pays,” he said.