Army Dismisses Soldiers Involved in Dangote Refinery Robbery

Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, who were suspected of stealing armored cables at the Dangote refinery on April 14, 2024, were fired by the Nigerian Army, the military said on Monday.

According to reports, the troops arrived at the complex in an Acura jeep but were stopped at the main gate with 897 armored wires that had been cut to size.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, confirmed the soldiers’ dismissal in a statement on Monday.

He stated that the two soldiers had been found to have abandoned their duty station and “to be in unauthorized possession of the (897 armoured cables) materials,” and that they had since been turned over to the appropriate authorities for additional 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, 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 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.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]