The “Operation Crocodile Smile” being carried out in the Niger delta has started yielding results, as the troops of the 4th Brigade Nigerian Army, while conducting routine exercise intercepted suspected oil bunkerer with “Cotonou Boat” filled with crude oil and “3 x 40 Horse Power’ Yamaha speedboat including 5 x 200 liters of illegally refined diesel oil.
While on similar exercise around Bomadi town, Bomadi Local GGovernment Area and Pendo and Tuomo of Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State respectively, two suspects Mr. Tokolo Sawyer and Miss Showman Ebi-ere were arrested at “Loveth Plaza”.
Also arrested were Mr. Kingsley Ebidimo and 7 others who are on an unidentified mission.
They were arrested at Pendo and found to be in possession of substances suspected to be marijuana, 1 axe, 2 cutting saw, and a long iron bender, in their hideout. The suspects and the exhibits had been handed over to the Nigerian Police at Bomadi, for further investigation and prosecution.
The troops on exercise crocodile tears, has received 2 more supporting weapons, Main Battle Tank, 2 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, and 3 Scorpion Tanks from the Headquarters of Nigerian Armoured Corps.
In addition as part of the training exercise, troops have been carrying out patrols along waterways in the creeks, during the exercise they recovered 2 “Cotonou Boats” and 75 Horse Powered Speedboat, 30 x200 Liters of Plastic drums containing liquid suspected to be illegally refined crude oil in the creeks at Ovwahwa in Ugheli South Local Government Area of Delta State in the afternoon of 28th August 2016.
Following intelligent reports, 2 illegal crude oil refineries were identified and destroyed by the exercising troops, while traversing Ayakoromo and Esaba waterways in Burutu Local Government Area OF Delta State.
Meanwhile three suspects found around the vicinity has been arrested they are, Messrs College Owahwa, Josep Katte and Olisa Patrick. They are being currently interrogated.
At about 5.00pm same day, 2 Pumping Machines and Sets of new pipes used for the construction of illegal refineries and siphoning were found in the bush. Two suspects are being interrogated.
While carrying out the training exercise, troops are seen carrying out free medical exercise around the communities. Especially around Central area Sapele and near Olu of Warri in Warri, Delta State.
ABOVE PHOTO: Nigerian soldiers training for “Operation Crocodile Smile” in Delta