Two Nigerian Army officials have been apprehended for stealing armoured cables from the Dangote Refinery, according to an announcement made by the Nigerian Army on Wednesday.
The incident, labelled as “totally unacceptable and highly regrettable” by the Army’s leadership, has sparked concerns regarding discipline within the military ranks.
The soldiers were caught on Sunday at the main entrance of the Dangote facility, with 897 pre-cut armoured cables, while trying to exit in an Acura jeep.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, expressed profound concern over the breach of ethics and values exemplified by this occurrence.
According to Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu stated that the soldiers were apprehended due to the proactive intervention of vigilant troops and private security personnel on duty at the refinery.
Nwachukwu stressed that the actions of the two soldiers do not align with the standards and principles upheld by the Nigerian Army.
Further details provided by Nwachukwu suggest that a contractor known only as ‘Mr. Smart’ enlisted the soldiers to retrieve cables left behind at the refinery.
However, as they approached a security checkpoint, Smart purportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving the soldiers to face the consequences alone.
Nwachukwu also revealed that an investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the detained soldiers’ involvement in the theft.
The Nigerian Army assured the public that it would enforce appropriate disciplinary measures against the culprits, emphasizing its stance against any form of criminal activity among its personnel.
