Heavy military hardware and battle-ready personnel have been seen in the creeks and on streets of Niger Delta states, as military weapons have been deployed to the area. This includes; Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and three Scorpion Tanks from the Headquarters of Nigerian Armour Corps, Main Battle Tank, two Mine-Resistant.
According to the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, 4 Brigade troops have raided hideouts of suspected criminal in Ajaosolo, Okogho, Opumani and Obodo. The Army spokesperson said following intelligence reports, the refineries were destroyed by the troops traversing Ayakoromo and Esaba water ways in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
It is all in a bid to strengthen the ongoing Operation Crocodile Smile, the army said yesterday.
It was gathered that the hardware, including amphibious vehicles, boats and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) moved from Benin City, through Warri to other towns at the weekend. Troops have seized several suspects in a bid to rid the Niger Delta of criminals. Besides, two illegal refineries have been smashed.
The army says it is flushing militants and criminals out of the creeks as its exercise, Operation Crocodile Smile, enters the third day. Troops also 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.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]In a similar exercise near Bomadi town and Pendo and Tuomu in Bururtu Local Government Area of Delta State, two suspects, Mr. Tokolo Sawyer and Miss Showman Ebiere, were arrested at “Loveth Plaze”.[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]Mr Kingsley Ebidimo and seven others with unidentified mission were also arrested at Pendo, allegedly carrying a substance believed to be Marijuana. Other items allegedly found on them include one axe, two cutting saw and a long iron bender.[/vc_column][/vc_row]