Troops Foil Fuel Theft, Arrest Suspect In Akwa Ibom

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Akwa Ibom State, says its operatives have apprehended a driver for allegedly siphoning diesel from all heavy duty trucks belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited at Ukpe Ete, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 2 Brigade, Captain Lawal Muhammad, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Sunday, said the operatives acted on intelligence.

Muhammad noted that while dispersing the crowd, a yet-to-be identified dead body, with a coffin placed beside the corpse was discovered and later evacuated to the mortuary.

He said while returning the suspect and the exhibit to the company’s headquarters for interrogation, the youths barricaded the road, hurling stones and bottles in an attempt to free the suspect, noting that in the violent situation, the leader was identified and shot on the leg.

The statement read, “Troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army received credible information on the activities of criminal elements siphoning diesel from a heavy duty equipment at Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company located at Ukpe Ete in Ikot Abasi Local Government area of Akwa Ibom.

“In a bid to checkmate the criminals, the troops conducted follow up operations, which led to the arrest of a driver conveying the stolen products. While returning the suspect and exhibit to the company for interrogation, the youths in the community barricaded the road, in an attempt to free the suspect and exhibit.

“They resorted to hurling bottles and stones on the troops who are carrying out legitimate duty.

“Efforts, were made to ensure the situation didn’t escalate further, but to no avail, as they became more violent. Troops also fired warning shots still in an attempt to disperse the irate youths and ensure normalcy is restored but to no avail.

“Hence, the ring leader was identified and shot on the leg. He was later evacuated to the hospital for treatment. The youths later became more weird and resorted to vandalizing private vehicles, harass innocent commuters as well as attack Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company Trucks that were plying the road.

“Troops were later reinforced from the Brigade and further exploitation in the area was made after dispersing the crowd. This led to the discovery of a yet to be identified dead body, with a coffin placed beside his corpse. The remains was immediately evacuated to the mortuary by men of the Nigeria Police Force, reinforced by troops of 2 Brigade. Troops are currently scanning the area to ensure the company’s assets are secured.”

While appreciating the public for its support and understanding, the Brigade reaffirmed it commitment to “safeguarding the lives and property of law abiding and the good people of Akwa Ibom State” while also enjoining them to provide actionable intelligence to security agencies as investigation is ongoing.