Soldiers fired for stealing cable at Dangote refinery

The Nigerian Army said on Monday it has discharged two soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph and Corporal Jacob Gani, accused of stealing armored cables at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.

The soldiers were caught at the company’s main gate on April 14 with 897 armored cables already cut to size.

The Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema said in a statement on Monday that the two soldiers had abandoned their duty post and were “in unauthorized possession of the 897 armored cable materials,” and had since been handed over to the relevant authorities for further prosecution.

Onyema said: “In line with the commitment of the Nigerian Army to uphold high standards of professionalism, integrity and discipline, the NA wishes to inform the general public of the outcome of the investigation into the alleged theft of armored cables on the premises of the Dangote refinery in April. August 14, 2024, involving Corporal Innocent Joseph and Corporal Jacob Gani.

“Following a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the company’s management, the two soldiers were found to have left their duty posts and to be in unauthorized possession of the materials.

“Subsequently, they were both charged with failure to perform military duties punishable under Article 57, subsection (1) and other civil offenses punishable under Article 114, subsection (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Act of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“They were summarily tried. At the trial, the evidence against them was presented and they were given the opportunity to present their case and defend themselves, but were, however, found guilty of the charges leveled against them in accordance with military laws.

“In a demonstration of NA’s zero tolerance towards misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the NA with immediate effect and handed over to the relevant authorities for further prosecution.”

Last week, Onyema had said that the now dismissed soldiers were hired by a contractor identified as Smart.

He noted that a preliminary investigation into the incident revealed that Smart informed the soldiers that he needed to retrieve some cables left at the facility.

Onyema added that when they got there, Smart sensed trouble, apologized and left the scene.