Troops of the Nigerian Army in its field training codenamed, “CROCODILE SMILE,” on Sunday, intercepted illegal oil bunkerers with a crude oil laden boat in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement by Army spokesman, Col Sani Usman, the Army said the troops also raided hideouts of suspected criminals in the creeks of the oil rich region.
According to the statement, the “Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army involved in the field training exercise nicknamed “CROCODILE SMILE” on gunboats and speedboats have been making tremendous progress as they also raided suspected criminal hideouts in the creeks around Ajaosolo, Okogho, Opumani, and Obodo general area.
“While conducting the exercise, on Sunday 28th August 2016, they intercepted suspected illegal oil bunkerer with 1 “Cotonou Boat” laden with crude oil, 3 X 40 Horse power Yamaha Speedboats and 5 X 200 Litres of illegally refined diesel oil.
Usman also disclosed that the troopsin continuation of the training exercise also arrested some miscreants with substance suspected to be marijuana in Bomadi, Delta State.
“The troops continued conducting the training exercise near Bomadi town, Bomadi Local Government 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 Ebiere were arrested at “Loveth Plaze”, while Mr Kingsley Ebidimo and 7 others with unidentified mission were equally arrested at Pendo as they were found to be in possession of substance believed to be Marijuana.”
The statement said the troops recovered the following items from the suspect, “1 Axe, 2 Cutting Saw and a long iron bender in their hideouts. The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Nigeria Police at Bomadi.”
Usman also disclosed that the troops have received “two more supporting weapons, Main Battle Tank, 2 Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicles and 3 Scorpion Tanks from the Headquarters of Nigerian Armour Corps.”
He further added that during the training exercise, the troops carried out patrols along waterways in the creeks, and they recovered, “2 Cotonou Boats and a 75 Horse Power Speedboat, 30 X 200 Litres 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 in the afternoon of Sunday 28th August 2016.
“Three suspected persons, Messrs College Owahwa, Joseph Katte and Olisa Patrick found around the vicinity have been arrested. They are currently being questioned.
“Following intelligence reports, 2 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.
“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 were interrogated to ascertain their involvement on the recovered items. The troops have continued their training exercise without hitch.”
