Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has pledged to provide medical assistance to a Nigerian Army officer, Staff Sergeant Amoke Gunshot Simeon, who once turned down a ₦50 million bribe while pursuing a notorious kidnapper known as Osisikankwu.

The criminal leader and his gang had terrorised the state, with high-profile kidnappings including that of schoolchildren prompting former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to deploy mobile police units and special troops to restore order.

Simeon, alongside his team and other security agencies, played a key role in dismantling the gang. Their operations led to the neutralisation of the gang leader and significantly curtailed kidnapping activities that had forced many residents to flee the state.

In a recent social media post, the soldier recounted how he sustained severe injuries in a road accident while on active duty in Nigeria’s North-East, where he was deployed to combat insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province. His account drew the attention of the governor.

During a meeting at the Government House, Otti offered to sponsor Simeon’s medical treatment abroad, assuring him that the state government would cover all expenses to ensure his full recovery.

Simeon, who hails from Nsukka in Enugu State, served in Abia between 2010 and 2014. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, he explained that the accident left him with broken legs due to complications from poor initial treatment.

The visibly injured officer, who arrived on crutches and was accompanied by a caregiver and former colleagues, expressed deep gratitude to the governor for the intervention.

He said, “It was a vehicle accident in the North-East, and the treatment was not properly handled at first. I kept hoping it would improve based on the promises made, but it didn’t.”

He added that authorities had continued to monitor his condition, but the governor’s gesture had renewed his hope of full recovery.

“I’m very happy that Governor Otti remembers those who served in Abia. This kind of support will motivate other military personnel to remain committed and carry out their duties with integrity,” he said.

Simeon also recalled how the late kidnap kingpin had offered him ₦50 million to compromise the operation, an offer he firmly rejected.

“I was on patrol across different parts of Abia State when the offer was made. They told me to name my price, but I refused,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to duty and national service.

He noted that the military operation he participated in helped restore peace to the state, adding that residents openly celebrated the success of the mission.

The governor’s intervention has been widely seen as a recognition of sacrifice and integrity among security personnel who risk their lives to protect the nation.