The Nigerian Army, on Monday, announced the sacking of two soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, for allegedly stealing armoured cables at Dangote refinery on April 14, 2024.
According to PUNCH, the military personnel gajned access the refinery in an Acura jeep but the security operatives at the company’s main gate caught the soldiers in possession of 897 armoured cables that had been cut to size.
Giving to the dismissal via a release on Monday, the force spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, revealed that the two soldiers left their duty post and found “to be in unauthorized possession of the (897 armoured cables) materials.”
He furthered that the culprits had been referred to relevant authorities for further investigation and proper 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,
“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.”
Last week, Onyema noted that the soldiers who had been sacked had been recruited by a contractor known as Smart.
He said that investigation revealed that Smart had sent the soldiers to help him retrieve some cables that had been left behind at the facility.
Onyema added that when they got there, Smart sensed trouble, then excused himself and left the scene.
Smart, upon sensing trouble, had to disappear from the scene, leaving the suspects the soldiers to their fate.
