Army rewards Plateau soldier ₦500,000 for rejecting kidnapper's bribe
- Private Utim Terwase was given ₦500,000 after he refused a bribe from a suspected kidnapper in Plateau State.
- The Army says he arrested the suspect and handed him over instead of taking the money.
- The reward matches the amount he reportedly turned down.
The Nigerian Army has handed a ₦500,000 cash reward to a soldier who refused a bribe from a suspected kidnapper in Plateau State, the military said on Wednesday.
Private Utim Terwase, who serves under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), is said to have arrested the suspect after an attempted escape. He then reportedly turned down money offered to secure the suspect's release and handed him over to the authorities instead.
The cash was presented on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of OPEP, Major General Maxwell Dangana, by the Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi.
Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, spokesman for OPEP, said the GOC described the soldier's conduct as reflecting the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty.
Dangana said Terwase chose honesty and selfless service over personal gain, and urged other personnel to follow his example.
According to the Army, the ₦500,000 reward is the same amount the soldier reportedly rejected.
Why it matters
Kidnapping for ransom has been a serious worry for families across Plateau and other parts of the country, and Nigerians often complain that suspects slip free after paying off officials. The Army is presenting this reward as proof that integrity is recognised and that personnel who refuse to compromise their duty will be commended.
The Sun reported that the incident happened on September 5, 2026, during an operation by Sector 6 of OPEP that led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers. The other reports did not give a date.
The suspect has not been convicted of any crime. He is a suspect, and the case is for the authorities to handle.
What happens next
The Army says it will keep encouraging personnel to carry out their duties with integrity and discipline. No details were given on the suspect's case or when he would be charged.
