Nigerian Army Dismissed Soldier Shortly Before Promotion Ceremony for Mobile Phone Theft

The Nigerian Army has dismissed a soldier for allegedly stealing a colleague’s phone, Fusion Chronicles Nigeria reports.

According to an insider, Lance Corporal Kenewenimo Lokoja (12NA/67/3446) was dismissed last week following the incident. It was revealed that Lokoja stole the phone while attending an army-sponsored course.

The source further disclosed that Lokoja had recently been promoted to the rank of Corporal and was scheduled to be officially decorated just days before his dismissal.

“He was dismissed a day before his decoration ceremony as a Corporal for stealing a phone during the course,” the source stated.

This incident comes just months after Fusion Chronicles Nigeria exclusively reported a case involving Private Yahaya Sani, who allegedly stabbed his colleague, Private Aliyu Musa, in Enugu over a similar issue.

Sani, who is attached to the 74 Supply and Transportation Brigade, 82nd (Airborne and Amphibious) Division of the Nigerian Army, accused Musa of stealing his phone. Ironically, Musa had also reported his phone missing, alleging that Yahaya was the only person with him before it disappeared.

A source explained that the two soldiers were returning from New Artisan Market in Enugu when the conflict arose.

“The phone went missing during their transit. Musa confronted Yahaya about the phone’s disappearance, but Yahaya denied any knowledge of it,” the source said.

The disagreement escalated, and Musa accused Yahaya of theft. In the heat of the altercation, Yahaya reportedly disarmed Musa and stabbed him in the head with a dagger.

“Musa is currently undergoing treatment at the 82 Division Medical Services and Hospital (82DMSH), while Sani is in custody at the 82 Division Garrison’s guard room pending further investigation,” the source added.