BREAKING: Army dismisses two soldiers who robbed Dangote refinery

The Nigerian Army announced on Monday that it had dismissed two soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, who were accused of stealing armored cables from the Dangote refinery on April 14, 2024.

The soldiers were apprehended at the company’s main gate with 897 armored cables that had been cut to size, after entering the facility in an Acura jeep.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, confirmed their dismissal in a statement, stating that the soldiers were found to have abandoned their duty post and were in unauthorized possession of the stolen materials.

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.