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April 17, 2024
According to a military signal obtained by SaharaReporters, the soldiers were arrested last Sunday after they were caught moving out of the facility with 897 armoured cables cut to size.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of two of its personnel who allegedly stole armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
SaharaReporters on Tuesday exclusively reported that two army personnel had been arrested for vandalising and stealing armoured cables at the refinery.
The suspects were identified as CPL Innocent Joseph and L/CPL Jacob Gani.
Dangote Refinery, which is owned by Dangote Group, was inaugurated on the 22nd of May 2023 in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.
When in full operation, it is expected to have the capacity to process about 650,000 barrels per day of crude oil, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world. The investment is worth over $19 billion.
According to a military signal obtained by SaharaReporters, the soldiers were arrested last Sunday after they were caught moving out of the facility with 897 armoured cables cut to size.
A press statement issued by Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations on Wednesday, reads: “The Nigerian Army (NA) 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.
“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.
“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 army authorities went further to state that appropriate punishment would be imposed on the suspects.
The statement continued: “The NA wishes to reassure the general public that appropriate disciplinary measures would be meted out to the culprits, as no act of criminality will be condoned amongst its personnel.
“The NA remains steadfast in ensuring that the key values of discipline and integrity are adequately entrenched amongst its personnel. We shall also continue to cultivate and promote dedication and a culture of accountability and ethical behaviours within our ranks.”