The Nigerian Army on Saturday said it has destroyed 91 illegal refineries operated by suspected militants during its operations in the Niger Delta.

This was revealed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru while briefing newsmen in Enugu.

Attahiru said the illegal structures were destroyed during the “Operation Crocodile Smile” exercise, stating that 23 militants and criminals were killed during the operations.

He also said 50 weapons were recovered and 32 camps destroyed during the exercise.

“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,’’ he said.

He confirmed that four soldiers died during the exercise which lasted 10 days.