SOLDIERS NEUTRALISE GANG LEADER DURING ATTEMPT TO FREE DIESEL THEFT SUSPECT IN AKWA-IBOM

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Operatives of the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akwa Ibom State have shot a suspected gang leader in the leg after he allegedly mobilised members of his group to free a driver arrested for siphoning diesel from heavy-duty equipment belonging to an oil company in Ukpe Ete, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Headquarters, Captain Lawal Muhammad, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Uyo on Sunday. He added that during efforts to disperse the crowd, an unidentified corpse, with a coffin placed beside it, was discovered and subsequently evacuated to a mortuary.

Muhammad explained that the operatives acted on intelligence reports about criminal elements involved in siphoning diesel from heavy-duty equipment, leading to a follow-up operation and the arrest of the driver.

He further stated that while transporting the suspect and recovered items to the company’s headquarters for interrogation, some youths blocked the road and began throwing stones and bottles in an attempt to rescue the suspect. Amid the unrest, the gang leader was identified and shot in the leg.

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The statement partly reads: “Troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, received credible intelligence on criminal activities involving the siphoning of diesel from heavy-duty equipment at Sterling Petroleum and Fertiliser Limited in Ukpe Ete, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

“To curb these crimes, the troops conducted follow-up operations, resulting in the arrest of a driver transporting the stolen fuel. While returning the suspect and recovered items to the company for interrogation, local youths blocked the road in an attempt to free them.

“They attacked the troops with bottles and stones as they carried out their lawful duties.”

“Efforts to calm the situation proved unsuccessful as the youths grew increasingly violent. Troops fired warning shots to disperse the crowd and restore order, but the unrest continued. The gang ringleader was identified and shot in the leg before being evacuated to a hospital for treatment.

“The youths then escalated their actions, vandalising private vehicles, harassing commuters, and attacking trucks belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertiliser Limited.”

The statement added that reinforcements were deployed, and the crowd was eventually dispersed.

“This operation led to the discovery of an unidentified dead body, with a coffin placed beside it. The remains were immediately evacuated to the mortuary by the Nigeria Police Force, supported by 2 Brigade troops. Security personnel continue to patrol the area to protect the company’s assets.”

The Brigade expressed appreciation for the public’s support and understanding, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens in Akwa Ibom State.

Residents were urged to provide actionable intelligence to security agencies as investigations continue.