The Nigerian Army stated on Monday that it has discharged two soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph, and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, who were accused of taking armoured cables from the Dangote refinery on April 14, 2024.
The soldiers drove into the facility in an Acura jeep and were apprehended at the main gate with 897 armoured cables that had been cut to fit, as reported by The PUNCH.
In an announcement on Monday, the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, affirmed their dismissal, stating that the soldiers had deserted their duty post and were found to be in unauthorized possession of the armoured cables. They have since been handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.
Nwachukwu mentioned, “As part of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism, integrity, and discipline, we want to inform the public about 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.
Following a thorough investigation conducted in partnership with the company's management, the soldiers were found to have deserted their duty post and to be in unauthorized possession of the materials.
“As a result, they were both charged with Failure to Perform Military Duties under section 57, sub-section (1), and Other Civil Offences under section 114, sub-section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“They were promptly tried. During the trial, the evidence against them was presented, and they were given the opportunity to present their cases and defend themselves. However, they were found guilty of the charges in accordance with military laws.
“As a demonstration of the NA’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been removed from the NA immediately and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.
Last week, Onyema stated that the dismissed soldiers had been employed by a contractor named Smart.
He mentioned that a preliminary inquiry into the incident revealed that Smart had informed the soldiers about the need to retrieve some cables left behind at the facility.
Onyema also added that upon arrival, Smart sensed trouble, excused himself, and left the scene.
