Army dismisses two soldiers for ‘stealing armoured cables’ at Dangote refinery

The Nigerian Army has dismissed the two soldiers arrested for allegedly stealing armoured cables at the Dangote petroleum refinery in Lagos.

Last Wednesday, the army announced the arrest and detention of two soldiers over alleged theft at Dangote refinery.

Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, had said the alleged theft was foiled by troops and private security operatives attached to the refinery.

Nwachukwu added that the preliminary investigation revealed that the two soldiers were hired by a contractor identified as Mr Smart to retrieve the cables.

Giving an update on the incident, Nwachukwu, in a statement on Monday, said the two soldiers were “found to have abandoned their duty post and to be in unauthorised possession of the materials”.

He said the findings followed an investigation by the army and the management of the refinery.

The army spokesperson identified the two soldiers as Innocent Joseph, a corporal, and Jacob Gani, a lance corporal.

He said they were charged and tried for “failure to perform military duties punishable under Armed Forces Act CAP A20”.

Nwachukwu noted that the soldiers were found guilty and dismissed from the army after their trial.

“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,” the statement reads.

“However, they were 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 NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.

“This decisive action underscores the NA’s resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation.”