Troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army have intercepted suspected criminal elements involved in siphoning diesel from heavy-duty equipment belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company at Ukpe Ete in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to a press statement issued by Captain Lawal Bala Muhammad, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 2 Brigade, the troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the illegal activity and launched a follow-up operation, which led to the arrest of a driver allegedly conveying the stolen products.
The statement said the suspect and exhibits were being returned to the company for further interrogation when some youths in the community barricaded the road in an attempt to free the suspect and recover the exhibits.
The youths reportedly attacked the troops by hurling bottles and stones as soldiers carried out what the Army described as legitimate duties.
Captain Muhammad said efforts were made to prevent the situation from escalating, but the crowd became increasingly violent. Troops subsequently fired warning shots in a bid to disperse the irate youths and restore calm, but the action was said to have proved ineffective.
He disclosed that the alleged ringleader of the group was later identified and shot in the leg. The individual was immediately evacuated to a hospital for treatment.
The Army further stated that the youths became more unruly after the incident, vandalizing private vehicles, harassing innocent commuters, and attacking trucks belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company along the road.
Troops were later reinforced from the Brigade and carried out further exploitation of the area after dispersing the crowd. During the operation, security personnel discovered an unidentified dead body, with a coffin reportedly placed beside the corpse.
The remains were immediately evacuated to the mortuary by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, reinforced by troops of 2 Brigade.
The Army said troops are currently dominating the area to ensure the company’s assets are secured and to maintain law and order.
The Brigade appreciated the support and understanding of the general public and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens in Akwa Ibom State.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing actionable intelligence to security agencies.
