The Operation Crocodile Smile II operation in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria has led to the destruction of illegal refineries being secretly run in the creeks.
File Photo
The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that its troops had destroyed 46 illegal oil refining camps and barges, discovered in Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, and 6 Division Spokesman, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, stated this in a release, while giving a summary of Operation Crocodile Smile II which was conducted in the Niger Delta region.
Iliyasu said 49 suspects were also arrested in 19 incidences for various offences ranging from cult activities, possession of arms to kidnapping.
A Punch correspondent had reported that the army exercise, Crocodile Smile II was conducted simultaneously across the areas of responsibility of 2, 6, 81 and 82 Divisions of the army, which covered the Southwest and South-South regions from October 7 to 28.
The army spokesman, Iliyasu, said, “During the exercise, 46 illegal oil bunkering camps were discovered across Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. Troops were able to locate and destroy all the illegal refining camps as well as Cotonou boats and wooden barges loaded with stolen crude and other illegally refined products.
“We also destroyed illegal oil dump sites, arrested vehicles involved in the transportation of illegal products as well as persons found to be complicit in the perpetration of such illegal activities.
“On anti-cult efforts, 13 cases were recorded in the 6 Division; suspects were arrested and dangerous weapons were recovered. The division also burst nine kidnap syndicates during the period under review.
“A total of 49 suspects were arrested in 19 separate incidences on various offences ranging from illegal possession of arms to kidnapping. All the suspects have been handed over to security agencies for possible prosecution.”