About 23 militants and criminals have been confirmed dead
by Nigerian soldiers during a recent Operation Crocodile
smile military exercise in Niger Delta.
Reports credited to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have
it that 55 assorted weapons were also seized from
suspected criminals during the operation by the Nigerian
troops deployed to restore sanity to the region.
Speaking on this recent development, Major General Ibrahim
Attahiru, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82
Division, Enugu, added that many of the criminals left with
series of injuries during the attack, adding that 38 camps
belonging to the militants and 91 illegal refineries were
destroyed as well within ten days.
During a chat with newsmen in Abuja, he said: “The
precursor operations were followed by `Exercise Crocodile Smile’
proper, which was orchestrated and conducted with sequencing
and lines of operation to upgrade the skills, expertise and
competence of the troops in land and riverside environments.
“Over 3,000 soldiers were deployed along two axis on land,
creeks and the general littoral area of the Niger Delta region,
while forward-operating bases were established from where
operations were conducted along the creeks and littoral area.”
While regretting the death of four soldiers during operation,
the GOC noted that they seized the opportunity to cement
relations with civilians through humanitarian services in
neighbouring communities.
“Books, stationeries and generators were donated to some
schools while others were given facelift and infrastructure
improvement,” he added.
This news is coming following reports by the Nigerian
troops that they have nabbed Victory Benjamin, a high
ranking militant kingpin in Cross Rivers state.
According to the military spokesperson, Sani Kukasheka
Usman, this feat was achieved in Cross Rivers state as the
militant was attempting to collect ransom from a relation of
a kidnap victim.
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 17, the
Colonel wrote: “Troops of 13 Brigade, 82 Division, Nigerian
Army, have in a coordinated operation arrested a suspected
high ranking militant kingpin Mr. Victory Benjamin (aka Abuja
Daddy and G3) and 3 others.”
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