The Nigerian Army has announced the dismissal of two soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, following their involvement in the theft of armoured cables at the Dangote refinery on April 14, 2024.
Reports revealed that Joseph and Gani, caught at the refinery’s main gate with 897 armoured cables, were found to have abandoned their duty post and were in unauthorized possession of the materials. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, confirmed their dismissal in a statement issued on Monday, underscoring the Army’s commitment to professionalism and discipline.
The soldiers faced charges under the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, with their trial resulting in a guilty verdict. As a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, Joseph and Gani were promptly dismissed and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further prosecution.
Last week, it was disclosed that the dismissed soldiers were hired by a contractor named Smart, who allegedly misled them into believing they were retrieving abandoned cables. Upon arrival, Smart absconded from the scene, leaving Joseph and Gani to face the consequences of their actions.
