On Monday, the Nigerian Army announced that it had dismissed two soldiers for allegedly stealing armored wires from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos: Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani.
On April 14, at the company’s main gate, the soldiers were apprehended carrying 897 armored cables already trimmed to the proper length.
The two soldiers were discovered to have left their duty station and “to be in unauthorised possession of the 897 armoured cables materials,” according to a statement released by the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Maj-Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema, on Monday.
They were subsequently turned over to the appropriate authorities for additional prosecution.
Onyema 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 unauthorised possession of the materials.
“Subsequently, they were both charged for Failure to Perform Military Duties punishable under Section 57, subsection (1) and Other Civil Offences punishable under Section 114, subsection (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 given the opportunity to present their cases and defend themselves, but 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.”
The now-fired soldiers were employed by a contractor known as Smart, according to Onyema’s statement from last week.
He mentioned that an initial inquiry into the occurrence showed that Smart told the soldiers that he had to get some cables that were left at the camp.
After spotting problems, Onyema said, Smart excused himself and departed the scene.
