Troops of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army conducting field training exercise code named ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ have within the last 48 hours discovered and destroyed 74 illegal refineries and quite a number of militants’ and kidnappers’ camps in various parts of Rivers and Bayelsa states using swan buggy and other special equipment, the Army has said.

A statement issued on Friday morning by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, indicated that on Wednesday, September 7, troops of Sub-Sector Bravo in response to a tip off on the presence of suspected kidnappers at Akupoku community and carried out a raid at the location. But no arrest was made as the kidnappers had fled the area. However, the team also raided Ke community, at the verge of the Atlantic Ocean where they discovered and destroyed an illegal refinery.

Col. Usman also disclosed that the troops recovered and destroyed three large cooking pots and 20 tanks filled with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO).

“Similarly, another set of troops also discovered and destroyed another illegal crude oil refinery at Bile. Items recovered and destroyed include 12 large refining cooking pots,” he said.

He added: “Similarly, troops operating along the Abonnema axis were informed of the presence of suspected kidnappers at Abakrikri Fishing Port. They swung into action and carried out cordon and search operation but no contact or arrest was made.”

The statement disclosed that troops of 130 Battalion also raided suspected kidnappers’ camp at Awukiri, where they recovered an AK-47 rifle empty magazine, six face masks, one machete and several empty shells of expended ammunitions. “The troops destroyed the camp and further intensified search for the kidnappers’ nests and other criminal elements camp for clearance,” Col. Usman said.

He also disclosed that the Medical unit of 2 Brigade has been dispensing free medical service at Twon Brass in Bayelsa State, adding that 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.

•Photo shows one of the camps burning after being set on fire by ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ troops.

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