NEWS
“IT WAS ACTUALLY AN ACCIDENT… BUT GOVERNOR OTTI REMEMBERED ME“ — SMOKE GUNSHOT SIMEON’S REVELATION, THE HEROIC STORY OF THE SOLDIER WHO REJECTED ₦50M BRIBE AND HELPED END OSISIKANKWU’S TERROR REIGN IN ABIA STATE
…as Soldier Who’s Heroic Role in Ending Abia’s Kidnapping Nightmare says “A GOOD JOB PAYS”
The Executive Governor of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has honoured and extended humanitarian support to a gallant officer of the Nigerian Army, Staff Sergeant Amoke Gunshot Simeon, popularly known as “Smoke”, a man widely remembered for his fearless role in the historic security operations that dismantled the dreaded kidnapping network led by the notorious kingpin OSISIKANKWU, whose activities once plunged Abia State into fear and mass displacement.
Staff Sergeant Amoke Gunshot Simeon, who served in Abia State between 2010 and 2014, was among the special military personnel deployed to track, confront, and neutralize armed criminal groups operating across communities in the state. His unit played a decisive role in the eventual dislodgement of Osisikankwu and his gang, a breakthrough that restored relative peace and confidence among residents who had fled their homes during the height of the crisis.
During a meeting held on Thursday, March 19th, 2026, in his office, Governor Otti commended the veteran soldier for his sacrifice and service to humanity, and immediately approved plans to fly him abroad for advanced medical treatment, with the Abia State Government taking full responsibility for the cost of his care.
Staff Sergeant Simeon, who hails from Nsukka in Enugu State, arrived at the Government House on crutches, accompanied by his caregiver and some former colleagues. His visit, however, turned emotional as he recounted his journey from battlefield heroism to medical struggle.
According to him, his health condition resulted from a motor accident sustained while still in active service in the North-East after his deployment from Abia State. He explained that the injury left him with broken legs and that complications arose due to improper management of his condition.
“It was actually an accident, a vehicle accident in the Northeast. And it was wrongly managed. Because I was believing on the promise made to me when they did the thing. But it was not getting better.
“So, I had no choice. I had to just proceed where the military are treating me and continued from there. They (the Federal government authorities) are all following up on my treatment.
“I’m so happy, I’m so excited that Governor Otti can remember those who fought in Abia State. And being remembered, it will motivate the other military men in Abia State to know that whenever you are working, take money aside and do the job they ask you to do.
“So, Governor Otti has promised me that whatever it will cost, to take me outside, they (Abia State government) will fund it and get me back on my feet. And I cannot stop being grateful to Abia State. I cannot stop thanking Abia State for remembering me through their very good Governor,“ Simeon stated.
Speaking further, he recounted the dangerous nature of his assignment during his deployment in Abia State, where he operated alongside other military teams tasked with flushing out kidnappers and restoring security across volatile routes and communities.
“So, that was the role. So, it’s a task given to us. I was not serving in the 144 Battalion. I was brought to join them, to work with them from August 2010.
“But, when we executed the assignment and achieved the victory (eliminating OSISIKANKWU and dislodging his terror group), the people were happy and celebrated. And today, Abia State is safer and have peace than before. So, I’m so happy,“ Simeon said.
In a shocking revelation, Staff Sergeant Simeon disclosed that the feared kidnapping kingpin, OSISIKANKWU, attempted to bribe him with a huge sum of ₦50 million in exchange for allowing him and his gang to continue their criminal operations unchecked.
“I was on a general patrol in Abia State. From Ngwa High School – Asa, from Asa – Onicha Ngwa, Ikot -Ekpene, almost everywhere in Abia State. That’s the full operation I was doing then.
“I was the officer, they promised money. I was the officer, they promised 50 million. That I should name my price. I said no.
“So, that’s what gave the people of Abia State joy to celebrate me,“ he said.
Reflecting on his encounter with Governor Otti, he described the Governor as a compassionate leader who listened attentively and treated him with dignity.
“Dr Alex Otti is a very good Governor. Meeting him is like sitting beside my father. He gave me a listening ear,“ he shared.
He concluded with a powerful message on integrity, sacrifice, and the long-term rewards of doing the right thing even in difficult circumstances:
“A good job pays. So, you can use mine as an example. That after my good work in Abia State, it’s paying me today.
“And it’s making way for me, giving me more joy. And more happiness. Because if then, I had accepted what the criminals offered me.
“Today, I will not have a very good name in Abia State. I will not be treated well in Abia State. But today, I’m so proud and so happy for Governor Otti and thank him for remembering me,“ he said.
The story of “Smoke” stands today as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, integrity, and the unseen heroes whose courage helped resh
ape the security landscape of Abia State.