As part of Exercise CROCODILE SMILE, troops of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army during raids, cordon and search operations as part of the training exercise, yesterday discovered and destroyed 52 illegal refineries and refinery cooking pots in Krakrama, Bille and Better land community general area in Ogbema/Ndoni/Egbema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, announced this in a statement issued on Sunday morning.

“The troops discovered 6 refining cooking pots at Better Land community which unfortunately could not be destroyed instantly because of proximity to the community. They also recovered 2 high powered Engine boats, 10 empty drums and 1 pumping machine. Plans for destroying the illegal refinery with Swamp Buggy is in progress,” he said.

Col. Usman disclosed that the troops also cleared a notorious kidnappers camp at Obiozumini near Obite in the same local government area.

According to him, “The troops who were earlier ambushed engaged and subdued the kidnappers.

One kidnap victim was rescued from the camp. The ongoing operation would be sustained until criminality is subdued.”

•Nigerian Army Photo shows the site of one of the illegal refineries.

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