A soldier of the Nigerian Army, Private Utim Terwase, has received a cash reward of N500,000 for turning down a bribe of the same amount allegedly offered to him by a suspected kidnapper in Plateau State.
Terwase arrested the suspect when he tried to escape during an operation but refused to collect the N500,000 the kidnapper offered to let him go.
Instead of taking the money, the soldier handed the suspect over to the authorities and chose to do his job.
The reward was given on behalf of the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana. The Commander of Sector 6, Colonel Philimon Malgwi, presented the money to the soldier on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Dangana said Terwase displayed a high level of professionalism, loyalty and dedication expected from soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
He said the private showed honesty and selfless service by refusing to compromise, adding that his action deserves commendation and should be emulated by other personnel.
The GOC called on officers and soldiers under Operation Enduring Peace to copy the honesty of Terwase, noting that rewarding such behaviour is part of efforts to encourage discipline and good conduct in the operation.
The N500,000 given to the soldier is the same amount he rejected from the suspected kidnapper, showing that the Army appreciates integrity and commitment to duty.