By Sabiu Abdullahi
Troops of the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have disrupted an attempt by suspected criminals to siphon diesel from equipment belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited in Akwa Ibom State.
This is contained in a statement signed by Lawal Bala Muhammad, a Captain and Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of 2 Brigade in Akwa Ibom, on March 27, 2026.
The incident occurred at Ukpe Ete in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area after soldiers acted on intelligence about illegal activities around the company’s facility. The troops moved to the location and carried out an operation that led to the arrest of a driver who was transporting the stolen products.
Sources said the situation took a dramatic turn when the troops attempted to return the suspect and recovered items to the company for further questioning. Some youths in the area blocked the road in a bid to free the suspect. They attacked the soldiers with stones and bottles despite efforts by the troops to maintain calm.
The army personnel fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. The action did not bring the situation under control. The confrontation intensified and forced the troops to identify and neutralise the ringleader, who was shot in the leg. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment.
The unrest escalated as the youths reportedly vandalised vehicles, harassed commuters, and attacked trucks belonging to the company along the route.
Reinforcements were later deployed from the Brigade to restore order. After the crowd was dispersed, troops carried out further checks in the area. During the operation, they discovered an unidentified corpse placed beside a coffin. Security personnel moved the body to a mortuary with support from the Nigeria Police Force.
The army said troops have remained in the area to secure the company’s assets and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
In the statement, the military authorities appreciated members of the public for their cooperation. They also assured residents of their resolve to protect lives and property across the state. The public was urged to share useful information with security agencies as investigations continue.
