The Nigerian Army has dismissed two soldiers that were arrested for allegedly stealing armoured cables at the Dangote petroleum refinery in Lagos.
The army had on Wednesday announced the arrest and detention of two soldiers over an alleged thievery at Dangote refinery.
Spokesperson of the army, Onyema Nwachukwu, had stated that the alleged theft was thwarted by troops and private security operatives assigned to the refinery.
The spokesperson also said that the preliminary investigation exposed that the two soldiers were hired by a contractor known as Mr Smart to fetch the cables.
While providing an update on the occurrence, Nwachukwu, in a statement on Monday, said the two soldiers were “found to have abandoned their duty post and to be in unauthorised possession of the materials”.
He stated that the discovery ensued from an investigation by the army and the management of the refinery.
Nwachukwu identified the two soldiers as Innocent Joseph, a corporal, and Jacob Gani, a lance corporal.s
The army spokesperson said they were charged and tried for “failure to perform military duties punishable under Armed Forces Act CAP A20”.
He then said that the soldiers were found guilty and dismissed from the army after their trial.
“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,” the statement reads.
“However, they were found guilty of the charges levelled against them in accordance with military laws.
“As a demonstration of NA’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.
“This decisive action underscores the NA’s resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation.”