29 August 2016, Warri – Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, currently on the ‘operation crocodile smile’ simulated training exercise in the Niger Delta region on Sunday bumped into crude oil stealing enclaves where suspected oil thieves were arrested.
The troops who were boarding gunboats as well as speedboats also arrested some individuals with large quantity of substances believed to be illicit drugs.
The spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Sani Usman, said the operation, aimed at training soldiers on how to tackle crimes common to waterlogged terrains of the Niger Delta, was “so far a success”.
He said the soldiers on training were able to turn a simulation exercise into real situation by arresting and confiscating equipment that help oily crimes to thrive in the creeks.
His statement reads;
“Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army involved in the field training exercise nicknamed “CROCODILE SMILE” mounted on gunboats and speedboats have been making tremendous progress as they also raided suspected criminal hideouts in the creeks around Ajaosolo, Okogho, Opumani, and Obodo general area. While conducting the exercise, on Sunday 28th August 2016, they 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 troops have continued with their field training exercise, more so as they received 2 more supporting weapons, Main Battle Tank, 2 Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and 3 Scorpion Tanks from the Headquarters of Nigerian Armour Corps.
- Premium Times