Army Rewards Soldier ₦500,000 for Rejecting Kidnapper’s Bribe in Plateau

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The Nigerian Army has rewarded Private Utim Terwase with ₦500,000 after he reportedly rejected an identical bribe offered by a suspected notorious kidnapper in Plateau State.

Terwase, a soldier serving with Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), was said to have apprehended the suspect following an attempted escape. According to the military, the suspect allegedly offered the soldier ₦500,000 in exchange for his release.

Terwase reportedly refused the money and instead handed the suspect over to the appropriate authorities.

In recognition of his conduct, the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, approved a ₦500,000 cash reward for the soldier.

The reward was presented to Terwase on Wednesday by the Commander of Sector 6, OPEP, Colonel Philimon Malgwi, on behalf of the GOC. The development was confirmed by the operation’s spokesman, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh.

Dangana commended Terwase for refusing to compromise his responsibility for personal gain, describing his conduct as an example of the professionalism, loyalty and commitment expected of Nigerian Army personnel.

According to the Army, the soldier demonstrated honesty, accountability and selfless service by carrying out his duty despite the alleged financial inducement.

The commander said the recognition was intended not only to commend Terwase but also to encourage other personnel serving under Operation Enduring Peace to uphold similar standards of integrity and professionalism.

The striking aspect of the reward is that the amount given to Terwase was exactly the same as the ₦500,000 he reportedly refused from the suspect.

The Army said the gesture was designed to reinforce its commitment to accountability and ethical conduct among personnel involved in security operations.

“A soldier who refused N500,000 in dirty money has earned N500,000 in honour,” the operation’s statement said, according to reports.

The suspect was described by the military as a suspected notorious kidnapper, but authorities did not publicly disclose his identity or provide details of the charges he may face.

The development comes amid continuing security challenges in Plateau State, where communities have experienced attacks, killings and kidnapping incidents.

The Army’s recognition of Terwase therefore underscores the importance of integrity among security personnel, particularly during operations against criminal groups where officers and soldiers may face attempts to influence or compromise their duties.

For Terwase, however, the decision to reject the alleged bribe has now earned him the same amount he refused — but officially, as recognition for carrying out his duty.

The Army said his conduct should serve as an example to other personnel and reinforce the message that honesty, accountability and professionalism remain essential to the military’s responsibilities.