The Nigerian Army says its troops had destroyed 46 illegal oil refining camps and barges, discovered in Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, and 6 Division Spokesman, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu,on Wednesday stated this in a statement, while giving a summary of Operation Crocodile Smile II which was conducted in the Niger Delta region.
He said 49 suspects were also arrested in 19 incidences for various offences ranging from cult activities, possession of arms to kidnapping.
Iliyasu said, “During the exercise, 46 illegal oil bunkering camps were discovered across Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. Troops were able to locate and destroy all the illegal refining camps as well as Cotonou boats and wooden barges loaded with stolen crude and other illegally refined products.
“We also destroyed illegal oil dump sites, arrested vehicles involved in the transportation of illegal products as well as persons found to be complicit in the perpetration of such illegal activities.
“On anti-cult efforts, 13 cases were recorded in the 6 Division; suspects were arrested and dangerous weapons were recovered. The division also burst nine kidnap syndicates during the period under review.
“A total of 49 suspects were arrested in 19 separate incidences on various offences ranging from illegal possession of arms to kidnapping. All the suspects have been handed over to security agencies for possible prosecution.”