Troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army received credible information on the activities of criminal elements siphoning diesel from heavy-duty equipment at Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company located at Ukpe Ete in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
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.
Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 2 Brigade, Akwa Ibom, Captain Lawal Muhammad, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Uyo.
Captain Mohammed said while returning the suspect and exhibits to the company for interrogation, youths in the community barricaded the road in an attempt to free the suspect and exhibits.
He said they resorted to hurling bottles and stones at the troops, who were carrying out legitimate duties.
According to him, efforts were made to ensure the situation did not escalate further, but to no avail, as the youths became more violent.
“Troops also fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the irate youths and restore normalcy, but this proved ineffective.
“Consequently, the ringleader was identified and shot in the leg. He was later evacuated to the hospital for treatment.
“The youths subsequently became more unruly and resorted to vandalizing private vehicles, harassing innocent commuters, as well as attacking Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company trucks plying the road.
“Troops were later reinforced from the Brigade, and further exploitation of the area was conducted after dispersing the crowd.
“This led to the discovery of an unidentified dead body, with a coffin placed beside the corpse.
He said the remains were immediately evacuated to the mortuary by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, reinforced by troops of 2 Brigade.
Captain Mohammed added that the Troops are currently dominating the area to ensure the company’s assets are secured.
He said: “The Brigade wishes to appreciate the support and understanding of the general public and reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and the good people of Akwa Ibom State.
“The public is further enjoined to provide actionable intelligence to security agencies, as investigations are ongoing.