The Nigerian Army has rewarded Private Utim Terwase with ₦500,000 for demonstrating integrity after refusing an alleged ₦500,000 bribe offered by a suspected kidnapper in Plateau State. According to reports, Terwase apprehended the suspect during an attempted escape and subsequently handed him over to the appropriate authorities instead of compromising his duty. This act of honesty and accountability has been praised by the military leadership.
The reward was presented on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana. Colonel Philimon Malgwi, Commander of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, made the presentation. Dangana praised Terwase for his conduct, describing it as a demonstration of the discipline, loyalty, and professionalism expected of personnel of the Nigerian Army.
Major General Maxwell Dangana stated that Terwase had displayed honesty, accountability, and selflessness by refusing to exchange his responsibility for personal gain. He added that the soldier’s conduct reflects the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to duty expected of personnel of the Nigerian Army. Dangana urged other personnel to emulate Terwase’s exemplary conduct.
The GOC also charged officers and soldiers operating under the military formation to uphold integrity and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities. Operation Enduring Peace considers Terwase’s action worthy of commendation and encourages all personnel to follow his example. The ₦500,000 cash award represents the same amount Terwase reportedly rejected from the suspected kidnapper.
This incident is not an isolated case, as a similar incident was recorded in Anambra State in 2023. Inspector Charity Oyor, a female police officer, was rewarded with ₦250,000 for refusing a bribe from a suspected cable thief in Onitsha. Oyor reportedly stopped a shuttle bus conveying stolen armoured cables and rejected the owner’s bribe offer, prompting the police command to recognise and reward her.
The Nigerian Army’s reward to Terwase demonstrates its commitment to promoting integrity and accountability among its personnel. The military leadership has reiterated its stance against corruption and bribery, encouraging soldiers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and loyalty. Terwase’s story serves as an inspiration to other military personnel.
The presentation of the reward to Terwase was a significant event, highlighting the importance of integrity and accountability in the military. The Nigerian Army’s efforts to promote a culture of honesty and selflessness among its personnel are ongoing, with a focus on recognising and rewarding exemplary conduct.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army rewarded Private Utim Terwase with ₦500,000 for refusing a bribe from a suspected kidnapper.
- The incident is part of a broader effort to promote integrity and accountability among military personnel.
- A similar incident occurred in Anambra State in 2023, involving Inspector Charity Oyor.
