Army and Youths Clash Over Stolen Diesel in Akwa Ibom

A violent clash erupted between Nigerian Army troops and local youths at Sterling Petroleum Fertilizer Limited in Akwa Ibom State over a stolen diesel incident. The troops, led by Captain Lawal Bala Muhammad, acted on credible information regarding criminal elements siphoning diesel from the facility.

During an operation, they arrested a driver conveying the stolen product. However, youths barricaded the road in an attempt to free the suspect, resulting in violent confrontations where they hurled bottles and stones at the troops.

Despite efforts to disperse the crowd without escalation, the situation worsened, leading to the shooting of a youth leader in the leg. The injured leader was later evacuated for treatment.

The troops, reinforced by the Akwa Ibom State Police Force, continued to secure the area, discovering an unidentified dead body near a coffin. The Nigerian Army's 2 Brigade remains active in ensuring the security of the company's assets.