Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Brigade have arrested a suspect linked to the siphoning of diesel from heavy duty equipment belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Captain Lawal Bala Muhammad, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 2 Brigade.
According to the statement, troops acted on credible intelligence regarding criminal activities at the company’s facility in Ukpe Ete, leading to a follow up operation and the arrest of a driver allegedly conveying stolen products.
However, while transporting the suspect and recovered items back to the company for further interrogation, some youths in the community reportedly barricaded the road in an attempt to free the suspect.
The situation escalated as the youths began throwing stones and bottles at the troops, who were carrying out their duties.
The military said efforts were made to de escalate the situation, including the firing of warning shots, but the crowd became increasingly violent.
It added that the identified ringleader of the group was eventually shot in the leg and evacuated to a hospital for treatment.
Following the confrontation, the youths reportedly vandalised private vehicles, harassed commuters, and attacked trucks belonging to the company along the route.
Troops were later reinforced from the Brigade and moved to restore order in the area.
During subsequent operations, security personnel discovered an unidentified corpse with a coffin placed beside it. The body was evacuated to the mortuary by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
The military said troops have continued to dominate the area to ensure the safety of the company’s assets and maintain peace.
It also appreciated the support of the public and urged residents to provide useful information to security agencies, adding that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
