A yet-to-be-identified male corpse has been discovered in Akwa Ibom State following the dispersal of a crowd of suspected criminals by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Brigade.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Captain Lawal Muhammad, who disclosed that the body was found beside a coffin and subsequently evacuated to a mortuary.
According to the statement, the incident occurred after troops responded to credible intelligence on criminal activities in Ukpe Ete, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, where a driver was arrested for allegedly siphoning diesel from heavy-duty equipment belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertiliser Limited.
Muhammad explained that while troops were transporting the suspect and the recovered diesel to the company’s premises for further interrogation, some youths barricaded the road and attacked the convoy with stones and bottles in an attempt to secure the suspect’s release.
He added that during the unrest, a suspected gang leader, who mobilised the group, was identified and shot in the leg before being taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The army spokesperson further stated that the situation escalated as the youths reportedly vandalised vehicles, harassed road users and attacked trucks belonging to the company operating along the route.
He said reinforcement was subsequently deployed to restore order, after which a follow-up operation led to the discovery of the corpse with a coffin placed beside it.
“The remains were evacuated to the mortuary by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, with support from troops of the 2 Brigade.
Security operatives have since taken control of the area and are ensuring the protection of critical assets,” the statement read.
The brigade commended residents for their cooperation and urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies, assuring that efforts were ongoing to maintain peace and safeguard lives and property in the state.