Press release
Troops from the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have reportedly killed two thieves for siphoning diesel from the vehicles of Sterling Petroleum and Fertiliser Company facility in Ukpe Ette, in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
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.”
Sterling Petrochemicals and Fertilizers Limited states stand
However, Sterling Petrochemicals and Fertilizers Limited (SPFL) says it is aware of the reports circulating online regarding a security incident in Ikot Akan, Ikot Abasi LGA.
‘‘Based on preliminary information available to us, the incident occurred approximately 15 kilometres away from our operational base and did not originate from or take place within our facility as erroneously reported.
‘‘We understand that the situation involved a crossfire between Nigerian Army personnel and suspected oil bunkering elements, which unfortunately led to the reported death of a civilian,’’ the company stated.
A press statement by Aniekeme Finbarr, Media Manager, Sterling Petrochemicals and Fertilizers Limited (SPFL), said ‘‘We offered our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and our heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by this incident and the fall out. We consider this entire episode most unfortunate.
According to the release, ‘‘We also note that some of our returning vehicles in the area were impacted during the incident.
‘‘It is important to clarify that, in line with Federal Government protocols, security around oil and gas operations is provided by duly mandated agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Marine Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. These personnel operate under their respective commands and do not report operationally to SPFL. The company’s role is limited to administrative support in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
We have been in contact with relevant authorities following notification of the incident and are monitoring developments closely.
We reiterate our commitment to the safety of our host communities and support all lawful efforts by security agencies to address illegal activities such as oil bunkering.
‘‘We appreciate the army and other security agencies for their efforts in ensuring security cover while we undertake operational activities that contribute to the economy of our country.
‘‘We also note that a similar engagement involving suspected oil bunkering activities was reported a few weeks ago by the Nigerian Navy, following intelligence received from Port Harcourt.
‘‘We urge the public to rely on verified information and allow the appropriate authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation,’’ it added.’
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