Army Arrest Diesel Theft Suspect as Clash Erupts in Akwa Ibom Community

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The army have arrested a suspect accused of siphoning diesel from heavy-duty equipment belonging to a company in Akwa Ibom State, following an operation targeting criminal activity in the area.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 2 Brigade, Captain Lawal Bala Muhammad, the army said the suspect was intercepted after troops acted on intelligence about fuel theft at Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited in Ukpe Ete, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

The army said the suspect was apprehended while transporting the stolen product, but efforts to return him to the company for further investigation were disrupted when a group of youths barricaded the road and attempted to free him.

According to the statement, the situationescalated as the youths threw stones and bottles at the troops. Soldiers fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd, but the unrest continued.

The army said a suspected ringleader of the group was later shot in the leg and taken to hospital, as the crowd became increasingly violent, vandalising vehicles and attacking company trucks.

Reinforcements were subsequently deployed to the area, and troops carried out further operations to restore order. During the operation, an unidentified body was discovered and later evacuated to a mortuary by police personnel.

The military said troops are maintaining a presence in the area to secure the company’s facilities and prevent further incidents, while investigations are ongoing.

It also urged members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies,reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.