The Nigerian Army has detained two soldiers accused of stealing armoured cables at the Dangote refinery, according to a statement released on Wednesday by Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director Army Public Relations.
The soldiers, who arrived at the facility in an Acura jeep on Sunday, were apprehended at the company’s main gate with 897 armoured cables that had been cut to size.
Describing the incident as “totally unacceptable and highly regrettable,” Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu emphasised that the soldiers’ alleged involvement in theft did not reflect the ethics and values of the Nigerian Army.
According to preliminary investigations, the soldiers were hired by a contractor named Smart, who claimed the need to retrieve cables left behind at the refinery. However, upon arrival, Smart absconded from the scene, leaving the soldiers behind.
The stolen cables have been recovered, and further investigations are underway to determine the soldiers’ level of involvement in the theft.
The Nigerian Army assured the public that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against the culprits.
“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”, Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu stated.
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