The Nigerian Army on Monday dismissed two soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani for stealing armoured cables at the Dangote refinery in Lagos.
The army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed their dismissals in a statement, adding that the duo were dismissed after they were found guilty of the offence during a summary trial.
Grassroots Parrot gathered that the soldiers were arrested by the Nigerian Army after they were accused of stealing armoured cables from the Dangote refinery in Lagos on April 14.
According to the army spokesperson, after a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the management of the company, the two soldiers were found to have abandoned their duty post and were in unauthorized possession of the materials.
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He said: “Subsequently, they were both charged for Failure to Perform Military Duties punishable under section 57, subsection (1) and Other Civil Offences punishable under section 114, subsection (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 found guilty of the charges levelled against them in accordance with military laws.
“As a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.”
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According to Nwachukwu, the decisive action underscores the army’s “resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation.”
He assured the public of the army’s dedication to upholding integrity, discipline, and accountability at all levels.
“We remain resolute in our duty to protect and serve the nation with honour and dignity,” He said.