Troops of the Nigerian Army in the ongoing Operation
Crocodile Smile II in the South-South and South-West regions have arrested
a bishop, Uwah Mfon, and 18 others for armed robbery, kidnapping and cult
activities in different areas of Akwa Ibom State.
Our correspondent learnt that the suspects – some
of them were identified as Saviour Friday, Nsika Udoh, Akan Monday, Abak Obong
and Oyobong Frank – were arrested by troops of 2 Brigade and had been handed
over to the police.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, and 6
Division spokesman, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, said Mfon and the other suspects
were arrested for allegedly terrorising Abak Obong, Oruk Atai and Ikot Obong
areas in the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state.
Iliyasu said the bishop was believed to be an
alleged financier of “wanted criminals terrorising” the areas.
He said, “The increased presence of troops both
on land and on waterways helped to prevent any criminal activity.
“The troops arrested Mfon on October 14. He is
believed to be the financier of wanted criminals and he was arrested at Ikot
Ibekwe community in the Ukanafun LGA. The suspect is volunteering information
about gangs of kidnappers and cult members linked to him.”
The spokesman said more than 120,000 litres of
stolen fuel was recovered from oil thieves in Rivers State.
Our correspondent learnt that troops of 29
Battalion intercepted two trucks in the Uzuaku area, laden with 55,000 and
30,000 litres of fuel.
“A patrol team also discovered a re-activated
illegal refinery in the Doroko area on October 17; and the site was destroyed
by the troops. The troops also destroyed 53 jerrycans of 25 litres and 20 drums
of 250 litres in the Akinima and Okrika areas respectively,” Iliyasu added
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