Troops destroy 74 illegal refineries in Rivers, Bayelsa

Troops of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army conducting field training exercise code named Operation Crocodile Smile, have destroyed 74 illegal refineries as well as several militants and kidnappers camps in various parts of Rivers and Bayelsa States using swan buggy and other specialised equipment.

Similarly, troops of 34 Field Artillery Brigade involved in field training exercise of Operation Crocodile Smile conducted raids on two major kidnappers’ camps belonging to “De-Well” and “De-Gbam” cultists groups in Umoubi and Umudike forests, both in Ohaji Egbema Local Council Area of Imo State. During the raid one Chigozie aka Chi boy, a notorious kingpin, lost his life. Another member was also discovered dead after the raid, while other gang members escaped with gunshot wounds.

The troops recovered military uniforms, mobile telephones and other household items before destroying the camps to prevent the cultists regrouping.

According to the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the troops of Sub-Sector Bravo in response to a tip-off of suspected kidnappers at Akupoku community, carried out a raid at the location, but no arrest was made as the kidnappers had fled the area. According to him, the team also raided Ke community, at the verge of the Atlantic Ocean, where they discovered and destroyed an illegal refinery and recovered as well as destroyed three large cooking pots and 20 tanks filled with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO). Usman observed that another set of troops also discovered and destroyed another illegal crude oil refinery at Bile and items recovered and destroyed included 12 large refining cooking pots.

“The troops would continue their field training exercise, while the humanitarian assistance will continue with provision of educational materials and free medical assistance to the host communities this Friday.” he said.