Currently in custody are two soldiers accused by the Nigerian Army of stealing armoured cables at the Dangote refinery. The soldiers drove into the refinery on Sunday in an Acura jeep and were apprehended at the main gate with 897 armoured cables that were cut to a specific size.
Describing the incident as “totally unacceptable and highly regrettable,” Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that the two soldiers are being held in custody.
The statement released reads, “Expressing deep concern about the alleged involvement of two military personnel in a reported case of theft at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
“This criminal act, thankfully prevented by alert troops and private security personnel at the refinery, is completely unacceptable and deplorable. It does not mirror the principles and standards of the NA. The two suspects have been identified and are currently in custody.”
The soldiers in question were reportedly subcontracted by an individual known as Smart, as mentioned by Onyema during the preliminary investigation.
A preliminary probe revealed that Smart instructed the soldiers to retrieve certain cables left at the facility. However, upon arriving, Smart sensed trouble and promptly left the area.
Onyema elaborated, “Preliminary findings indicate that the two suspects were recruited by a civilian contractor, Mr Smart, who claimed he needed to reclaim some armoured cables he had forgotten at the refinery. Unbeknownst to the soldiers, the contractor, anticipating a problem at the security checkpoint, absconded from the vehicle and fled, leaving them behind.”
Further investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the soldiers’ involvement in the matter, as stated by Onyema.
He commented, “Ongoing investigations aim to fully establish the level of responsibility of the apprehended soldiers. Moreover, the stolen cables have been retrieved and are secure.
“The NA is collaborating closely with the Dangote Refinery management to conduct a thorough inquiry into this regrettable incident.
“The NA affirms to the public that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the guilty parties, as any unlawful actions within its ranks will not be tolerated.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to upholding fundamental values like discipline and integrity among its personnel, pledging to continue fostering dedication, accountability, and ethical conduct within the organization’s ranks.”