Currently in custody are two soldiers accused of stealing armoured cables from the Dangote refinery, as disclosed by the Nigerian Army on Wednesday. The soldiers were apprehended at the company’s main gate with 897 cut-to-size armoured cables after entering the facility in an Acura jeep on Sunday.
The Director Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, expressed deep concern in a statement on Wednesday regarding the incident, labeling it as “totally unacceptable and highly regrettable”. He further revealed that the two soldiers are under arrest.
The statement conveyed, “The Nigerian Army is deeply concerned about the alleged involvement of two of its personnel in a reported case of theft at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
“This act of criminality, which was prevented by the proactive intervention of vigilant troops and private security operatives on duty at the refinery, is totally unacceptable and highly regrettable. It does not, therefore, represent the ethics and values of the NA. The two suspects have been identified and are currently under custody.”
It was revealed by Onyema that the soldiers were working for a contractor known as Smart.
According to initial investigations, Smart informed the soldiers about the need to retrieve some cables left behind at the refinery.
Subsequently, when they arrived, Smart sensed danger, excused himself, and fled the scene.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the two suspects were hired by a civilian contractor simply identified as Mr. Smart, who claimed he wanted to recover some Armoured cables he had left behind on the refinery’s premises. Unknown to the soldiers, the said contractor, sensing trouble as they approached the security post, excused himself from the vehicle and bolted, leaving them behind,” stated Onyema.
Onyema disclosed that further investigations were underway to ascertain the level of the soldiers’ involvement in the incident.
“Further investigations are ongoing to fully ascertain the depth of culpability of the apprehended soldiers. Additionally, the stolen cables have been recovered and are in safe custody. The NA is working closely with the management of the Dangote Refinery to ensure a thorough investigation into this unfortunate incident.
The NA aims to assure the public that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the perpetrators, as any form of criminal behavior will not be tolerated among its personnel.
“The NA remains resolute in ensuring that the core values of discipline and integrity are well ingrained among its personnel. We will also continue to foster and advocate for dedication, accountability, and ethical conduct within our ranks.”