About 143 illegal refineries have been destroyed by the Nigerian Army during its operation Crocodile Smile in the Niger Delta region.
This was made known by Brig-General Hassan Hamisu, a Brigade Commander, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt at the barracks during the 56 independence anniversary in Rivers State.
In his words, “I conducted the Crocodile Smile operation in some states in the South-South. Success was recorded in the area of destruction of criminal camps and illegal refineries. We have not rested since the operation. We shall continue to partner with other security agencies to ensure a safer environment,”
He lauded the youths of Ataba Community in Akwa Ibom State for giving quick information on the activities of oil thieves which resulted in the arrests and destruction of the illegal AGO.
A statement from Naval Headquarters by Commodore Christian Ezekobe, Director of Information, said, “In continuation of the clampdown on crude oil thieves and illegal bunkerers, the Chief of the Naval Staff has expressed the appreciation of the Nigerian Navy to the gallant youths of Ataba Community in Akwa Ibom State for their exemplary conduct.”
“The conduct of the youths led to the arrest of four suspected oil thieves with about 70 drums of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO.
“The youths alerted the operatives of NNS Jubilee in the state on the activities of the suspects,” the statement added
