The Nigerian Army, on Monday, said it has dismissed two soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph, and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, accused of stealing armoured cables at the Dangote refinery on April 14, 2024.
Upon arriving at the company’s main gate in an Acura jeep, the soldiers discovered that 897 armoured cables had been cut to the proper length.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, confirmed the soldiers’ dismissal in a statement on Monday. He stated that the two soldiers had been found to have abandoned their duty station and “to be in unauthorized possession of the (897 armoured cables) materials,” and that they had since been turned over to the appropriate authorities for additional prosecution.
Nwachukwu said, “In line with the Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding high standards of professionalism, integrity, and discipline, the NA wishes to update the general public on the outcome of the investigation into the alleged theft of armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery premises on April 14, 2024, involving Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani.
“Sequel to a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the management of the company, the two soldiers were found to have abandoned their duty post and to be in unauthorized possession of the materials.
“Subsequently, they were both charged with Failure to Perform Military Duties punishable under section 57, sub-section (1), and Other Civil Offences punishable under section 114, sub-section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“They were summarily tried. During the trial, the evidence against them was presented, and they were allowed to present their cases and defend themselves. They were, however, found guilty of the charges levelled against them in accordance with military laws.
“As a demonstration of NA’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.”
Onyema claimed last week that the soldiers fired had been employed by a contractor known as Smart.
It was reported by him that an initial probe into the incident showed that Smart had told the soldiers he needed to get some cables that were left at the facility.
Onyema continued, saying that Smart sensed trouble as soon as they arrived, excused himself, and left the area.