The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana, has rewarded a soldier, Private Utim Terwase, with ₦500,000 for rejecting an alleged ₦500,000 bribe offered by a suspected notorious kidnapper.
The cash reward was presented in recognition of the soldier’s integrity and professionalism after he reportedly refused to compromise his duty despite an attempt by the suspect to secure his release through a financial inducement.
According to information released by Captain CP Oteh the Media Information Officer Operation ENDURING PEACE, Private Terwase apprehended the suspected kidnapper following an attempted escape. The suspect allegedly offered him ₦500,000 in exchange for his release, but the soldier declined the offer and handed him over to the appropriate authorities.
Speaking through the Commander of Sector 6, OPEP, Colonel Philimon Malgwi, during the presentation of the reward, Major General Dangana described the soldier’s conduct as a reflection of the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty expected of personnel of the Nigerian military.
The GOC commended Private Terwase for refusing to compromise his responsibilities for personal gain, noting that his actions demonstrated honesty, accountability and selfless service.
He said the operation considered the soldier’s conduct worthy of commendation and urged other personnel to emulate his example in the discharge of their duties.
Operation ENDURING PEACE stated that the recognition was also aimed at reinforcing its commitment to promoting accountability, ethical conduct and professionalism among personnel as they carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
The reward, which matches the amount the soldier reportedly refused to accept as a bribe, underscores the importance of integrity and discipline in security operations, particularly amid concerns about corruption and public trust in security institutions.
