Operation CROCODILE SMILE III, a Field Training Exercise by troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) covering Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, have been recording successes since its inception on 22nd October 2018. The precursor operations commenced with Civil – Military Relation activities between 25th October–2nd November, 2018 where relief materials were presented to flood victims at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps at St John Parish Igbogene Yenagoa LGA Bayelsa State and Ewein Primary School Ogbe-Ijoh Warri South/West LGA Delta State on 31st October and 2nd November 2018 respectively. The presentations were made on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division NA Major General Jamil Sarham. A total of 3,112 flood victims benefitted from the humanitarian gesture. Similarly, earlier on 25th October 2018 at Community Primary School and St John Parish both in Igbogene, Yenagoa LGA Bayelsa State the COAS, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai represented by the Commander 16 Brigade NA donated relief materials to flood victims in the camps. A total of 2,817 flood victims also benefited. In a similar gesture, troops of 5 Battalion NA conducted a free Medical Outreach at Oporoma Community Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State.
In their quest to rid the AOR of crimes, troops of 6 Division Garrison working on timely and actionable intelligence arrested a notorious criminal Ernest David Ibekwe Alias “Tallest” on 6th November 2018 at MOPOL Junction, Mbiama, Ahoada, Rivers State. He has been on the Nigeria Police Force wanted list in connection to kidnappings and Armed Robberies along East/West Road. In another robust Anti-Illegal Oil Bunkering Operations conducted by troops of 16 Brigade on 6th November 2018 at Ijawkiri and Sangasangabio Creeks located and destroyed 4 illegal bunkering camps with 5 ground reservoirs and 25 storage tanks containing stolen crude oil. The troops also foiled an attempt to sabotage oil production by miscreants who intended to set fire to Riser 01 in Gbaraun, Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State.
In the same vein, troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (JTF OPDS) operating under 6 Division Operation CROCODILE SMILE III on 6th November 2018 arrested 2 suspected drug peddlers, Nduka Ozigbundu and Mofi Ndubuisi along Cable Round About Asaba, Delta State with large quantities of substances believed to be Cannabis and other hard drugs. Suspects were handed over to the State National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution. In continuation of their aggressive patrol of the creeks, the troops also located and destroyed 15 Cotonou Boats, 5 Pumping machines, 17 Rubber Hoses, 30 Iron pipes, 2 (8 HP) Out Board engines and 4 Dug Out pits at Otumara and Ugboegugun in Warri South/West LGA Delta State.
It is heartwarming to note that troops of 6 Division will remain resolute in clamping down on all criminals and criminal activities within the AOR of the Division to pave way for legitimate businesses and peaceful coexistence of the good people of the Niger Delta.
AMINU ILIYASU
Colonel
Deputy Director Army Public Relations