Army dismisses soldiers who stole armoured cables at Dangote refinery

The authorities of the Nigerian Army, on Monday, dismissed two of its soldiers who were caught for vandalising and stealing armoured cables at Dangote refinery in Lagos, Lagos State.

Dangote Refinery, an investment said to worth over $19 billion, is owned by Dangote Groups of company was inaugurated on the 22nd of May 2023 in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.

With the full operation of the refinery, it is expected to have the capacity to process about 650,000 barrels per day of crude oil, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world.

Daily Trust had reported how the suspects, identified as Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, were arrested by the private security guards and other soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

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They were subsequently taken into the custody by the army authorities for investigation and trial where the two suspects were said to have been allowed to present their own side of the story.

Giving an update on Monday at army headquarters, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu, said the duo were found guilty of abandoning their duty post during the investigation that was carried out.

Nwachukwu, a Major-General, explained that the suspects failed to perform military duties in line with section 57, sub section (1) and other civil offences, adding that by flouting military laws, it is punishable under section 114, sub section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

He said the duo were subsequently dismissed with immediate effect and handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution in order to serve as a deterrent for other security officers planning to commit the same offence.

“In line with Nigerian Army’s (NA) commitment to upholding high standard 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 14th April 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 unauthorized possession of the materials.

“Subsequently, they were both charged for 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 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.

This decisive action underscores the NA’s resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation. The NA reassures the general public of its dedication to upholding integrity, discipline and accountability at all levels.

“We remain resolute in our duty to protect and serve the nation with honor and dignity. We urge the public to continue to support our efforts in safeguarding national security and promoting peace and stability across the nation.”