Militancy: “Crocodile Smile” Troops Discover; Destroy 2 Illegal Refineries In Delta

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Monday, August 29th, 2016

By Seun Adebosin

DELTA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Following intelligence reports, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced discovery and destruction of two illegal crude oil refineries by the exercising “Crocodile Smile” troops traversing Ayakoromo and Esaba water ways in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

Defence said Monday that at about 5.00pm Sunday, August 28, 2016, two Pumping Machines and sets of new pipes used for the construction of illegal refineries and siphoning were found in the bush.

It confirmed that suspects were being interrogated to ascertain their involvement on the recovered items.

DHQ informed that troops with the obligation to restore peace and order in the Niger Delta region have progressed with the field training exercise.

In the process, the Military said they raided suspected criminal hideouts in the creeks around Ajaosolo, Okogho, Opumani and Obodo general area.

While conducting the exercise, on Sunday 28th August 2016, DHQ indicated troops 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.

The training exercise also extended to 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 Ebi-ere 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, 1 Axe, 2 Cutting Saw and a long iron bender in their hideouts” Defence confirmed.
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The Military announced that suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Nigeria Police at Bomadi.

As part of the training exercise, the troops have been carrying out patrols along waterways in the creeks, in that process, 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.

The Defence said three suspected persons, Messrs College Owahwa, Joseph Katte and Olisa Patrick found around the vicinity have been arrested. They are currently being questioned.

In addition to the training exercise, troops are equally carrying out free medical outreaches at central area Sapele.