The Nigerian Army has rewarded a soldier, Private Utim Terwase, with N500,000 for rejecting a bribe of the same amount offered by a notorious kidnapper.
Terwase, an indigene of Benue State, received the cash reward in recognition of his honesty, discipline and commitment to duty while serving under Operation Enduring Peace.
The soldier reportedly arrested the suspected kidnapper as he attempted to escape. The suspect allegedly offered him N500,000 in exchange for his freedom, but Terwase refused the offer and handed him over to the appropriate authorities.
The reward was approved by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana.
A statement by the operation’s spokesman, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, said the money was presented to Terwase on behalf of the GOC by the Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi.
Speaking through Malgwi, Dangana praised the soldier for refusing to compromise his responsibilities for personal gain.
He described Terwase’s action as an example of the honesty, professionalism and loyalty expected of every Nigerian Army personnel.
According to the GOC, the soldier demonstrated that integrity and commitment to duty must come before personal interests.
He said the N500,000 reward was deliberately matched to the amount the soldier had rejected from the kidnapper.
“Rather than compromise his responsibility for personal gain, he upheld the values of honesty, accountability and selfless service by discharging his duties responsibly,” the statement quoted the GOC as saying.
Dangana added that Operation Enduring Peace considered Terwase’s conduct worthy of recognition and encouraged other soldiers to follow his example.
He also pledged continued recognition and rewards for personnel who demonstrate integrity, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The Army said the gesture was part of efforts to promote accountability and strengthen ethical standards among its personnel.
