Two killed as troops foil diesel theft in Akwa Ibom

From Isaac Job, Uyo

Troops from the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have reportedly killed two thieves at the Sterling Petroleum and Fertiliser Company facility in Ukpe Ette, in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as they were siphoning diesel from company vehicles.

A statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Akwa Ibom State, Captain Lawal Mohammad, and made available to journalists in Uyo, stated that the troops also arrested the driver who conveyed the product.

The statement reads in part:

“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.”

Mohammad said youths in the community barricaded the road to free the suspect and retrieve the exhibit as a ploy to escape the consequences.

“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.”

Mohammad explained that efforts were made to ensure the situation did not 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 ringleader was identified and shot in the leg.

“He was later evacuated to the hospital for treatment. The youths later became more violent and resorted to vandalising private vehicles, harassing innocent commuters as well as attacking Sterling Petroleum and Fertiliser Limited Company trucks that were plying the road.”

He said the troops were later reinforced from the brigade, while further exploitation in the area was carried out after dispersing the crowd.

“This led to the discovery of a yet-to-be-identified dead body, with a coffin placed beside the corpse.

“The remains were 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.

“The brigade wishes to appreciate the support and understanding of the general public and reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and the good people of Akwa Ibom State.

“We enjoin the public to provide actionable intelligence to security agencies as investigation is ongoing.”