Ruth NWORIE
Assistant Director of the Nigerian Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Headquarters in Akwa Ibom State, Captain Lawal Muhammad, has urged Nigerians to always provide actionable information to security agencies to aid criminal activities investigation.
He gave this charge while confirming that operatives of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, acting on intelligence, shot a suspected criminal gang leader on the leg for organising his gang to free a driver who was arrested after siphoning diesel belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company, located at Ikot Abasi.
According to him, while taking the suspect and the exhibit to the company’s headquarters for interrogation, youths barricaded the road, hurling stones and bottles in an attempt to free the suspect, noting that in the violent situation, the leader was identified and shot in the leg.
The statement reads in part: “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 Fertiliser 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. While returning the suspect and exhibit to the company for interrogation, youths in the community barricaded the road in an attempt to free the suspect and exhibit.
“They resorted to hurling bottles and stones at the troops who were carrying out legitimate duty. Efforts were made to ensure the situation didn’t escalate further, but to no avail, as they became more violent. Troops also fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the irate youths and ensure normalcy was 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.”
The statement added that the troops were later reinforced and the crowd dispersed.
Meanwhile, the Brigade, while appreciating the support and understanding of the general public, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens in Akwa Ibom State.
It urged residents to provide actionable intelligence to security agencies as the investigation is ongoing
