The troops on operation “Crocodile smile’’ in Niger Delta have raided criminal hideouts in the creeks of Ajaosolo, Okogho, Opumani, and Obodo area, making some arrests.
The troops from of 4 Brigade intercepted suspected illegal oil bunkerer with one “Cotonou Boat” laden with crude oil, three 40 Horse power Yamaha Speedboats and five 200 litres of illegally refined diesel oil.
The troops also continued conducting the training exercise near Bomadi town, Bomadi Local Government Area and Pendo and Tuomu of Bururtu Local Government Area of Delta State respectively.
Two suspects, Mr. Tokolo Sawyer and Miss Showman Ebi-ere, were arrested at “Loveth Plaze”, while Mr Kingsley Ebidimo and 7 others with unidentified mission were equally arrested.
According to Col. Sani Usman, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, some of those arrested were found to be in possession of substance believed to be Marijuana, Axe, Cutting Saw and a long iron bender.
The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Nigeria Police at Bomadi.
The troops have have also been equipped with two more supporting weapons, Main Battle Tank, two Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and three Scorpion Tanks.
In addition, as part of the training exercise, the troops have been carrying out patrols along waterways in the creeks, in that process, they recovered two “Cotonou Boats” and a 75 Horse Power Speedboat.
Thirty plastic drums containing liquid suspected to be illegally refined crude oil in the creeks at Ovwahwa in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have been recovered.
Three suspected persons, Messrs College Owahwa, Joseph Katte and Olisa Patrick found around the vicinity were arrested.
Following intelligence reports, two illegal crude oil refineries were identified and destroyed by the exercising troops traversing Ayakoromo and Esaba water ways in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
He said that two pumping machines and sets of new pipes used for the construction of illegal refineries and siphoning were found in the bush.