Major General Maxwell Dangana, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, presented a N500,000 cash reward to Private Utim Terwase on Wednesday. This recognition follows the soldier’s decision to turn down a bribe offered by a suspected kidnapper during an operation.
Our correspondent reports that Terwase apprehended the suspect, who attempted to escape and offered him N500,000 to allow him to go.
Terwase rejected the money allegedly offered in exchange for his release and subsequently handed him over to the appropriate authorities.
Confirming the development, the spokesman of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, said the reward was presented on behalf of the GOC by the Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi.
Oteh said Dangana, who spoke through Malgwi during the presentation, commended the soldier for demonstrating honesty, discipline and professionalism.
He said, “The soldier’s conduct reflects the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty expected of personnel of the Nigerian Army.
“Rather than compromise his responsibility for personal gain, he upheld the values of honesty, accountability and selfless service by discharging his duties responsibly,“ he said.
The GOC said the N500,000 reward was in recognition of the soldier’s integrity and commitment to duty, adding that the amount was equivalent to the bribe he reportedly rejected.
What You Should Know
This news highlights a rare act of integrity within the security forces where a low-ranking soldier chose his duty over a quick cash payout. After arresting a suspected kidnapper, Private Utim Terwase was offered half a million naira to let the suspect go, but he refused and handed the criminal over to his superiors.
- Positive Impact: Such rewards encourage other security personnel to remain professional and honest, which can lead to better security for everyday citizens and fewer criminals escaping justice through bribery.
- Potential Concerns: While this story is positive, it also exposes how easily suspected criminals attempt to use large sums of money to bypass the legal system, posing a constant threat to national safety.
