The Nigerian Army has rewarded a soldier, Private Utim Terwase, with ₦500,000 for rejecting an alleged bribe offered by a suspected notorious kidnapper. The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana, ordered the recognition in appreciation of the soldier’s honesty, discipline and commitment to duty.
According to military sources, the incident occurred on September 5, 2026, during an operation by Sector 6 of OPEP that led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers in Plateau State. One of the suspects attempted to escape but was apprehended by Private Terwase. The suspect then allegedly offered the soldier ₦500,000 in exchange for his release. Rather than accept the money, Terwase refused the bribe and handed the suspect over to the appropriate authorities.
The cash reward, which matches the amount the soldier reportedly rejected, was presented on behalf of Major General Dangana by the Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi. Speaking during the presentation, the GOC described Private Terwase’s conduct as reflecting the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and selfless service expected of personnel of the Nigerian Army. He noted that the soldier chose integrity over personal gain and urged other officers and soldiers under Operation Enduring Peace to emulate his example in promoting accountability and resisting corruption.
