The Nigerian Army has dismissed two soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, who were accused of stealing armoured cables at the Dangote refinery.
News About Nigeria reports that the soldiers were caught with 897 armoured cables, on April 14, 2024.
They were held at the company’s main gate, and reported to authorities to be tried.
Following an investigation into the incident, they have been found guilty of abandoning their duty post and possessing stolen materials.
According to the spokesperson of the Army, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the soldiers were charged with failure to perform military duties and other civil offences.
They were, therefore, dismissed from the Army with immediate effect.
They have been handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution, Nwachukwu made known.
The statement said, “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 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.”
The incident occurred when the soldiers, who were reportedly hired by a contractor named Smart, entered the facility in an Acura Jeep.
Smart had allegedly asked the soldiers to retrieve the cables from the facility, under the guise of having left them behind.
However, Smart sensed trouble when the soldiers went to get it done and excused himself, leaving the soldiers behind.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, commenced operations in January, ending a long period of anticipation. This boosted Nigeria’s refining capacity, as the country has historically relied heavily on imported petroleum products.
With a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the $19 billion facility started with producing diesel and aviation fuel. However, it is expected to begin supplying petrol in the fourth quarter of the year.
