Nigerian Army presents soldier with N500,000 reward for rejecting notorious kidnapper’s bribe

A private in the Nigerian Army, Utim Terwase, has been rewarded with N500,000 for rejecting a bribe offered by a notorious kidnapper and arresting him.

General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana, presented the reward to Terwase.

It was learnt that Terwase, who currently serves under OPEP, nabbed the suspect following an attempted escape but rejected money allegedly offered in exchange for his release.

Military sources said the incident occurred on September 5, 2026, following an operation by Sector 6 of OPEP that led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers.

Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi, presented the reward on behalf of the GOC, Spokesman for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh said.

The GOC was quoted as saying the N500,000 reward was in recognition of the soldier’s honesty, discipline and commitment to duty, adding that the amount was equivalent to the bribe he rejected. 

Oteh said the gesture reflects the GOC’s command philosophy of rewarding professionalism, dedication and integrity among personnel.