By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Nigerian Army took a decisive action on Monday.
It dismissed two soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, who were accused of stealing armoured cables from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
According to reports monitored by Irohinoodua, the soldiers were apprehended on April 14 at the company’s main gate with 897 armoured cables that had already been cut to size.
In an official statement, Maj-Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, revealed that after a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the refinery’s management, the two soldiers were found guilty of abandoning their duty post and being in unauthorized possession of the stolen materials.
Onyema stated, “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.”
As a result, they were charged for Failure to Perform Military Duties and Other Civil Offences under the Armed Forces Act CAP A20. Following a summary trial where they were given the opportunity to defend themselves, the soldiers were found guilty and subsequently dismissed from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect.
This swift and decisive action reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding professionalism, integrity, and discipline within its ranks, as well as its zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminal behavior.
In a previous statement, Onyema mentioned that the soldiers were hired by a contractor named Smart, who allegedly misled them into believing they were retrieving abandoned cables from the facility. However, upon arrival, Smart absconded from the scene, leaving the soldiers to face the consequences alone.