By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have successfully dismantled notorious gunrunning syndicates operating across the Niger Delta Region (NDR) through a painstaking intelligence-led operation.
In a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation led to the recovery of two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrel gun. The syndicates, known for trafficking Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) across the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States corridor, were said to have supplied weapons to criminal groups within the region.
The arrested gunrunners were identified as Innocent Emiyemokumo Deidei (popularly known as Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor, and Godwin Osik. They were apprehended at different times in separate intelligence-driven sting operations. The suspects, along with the recovered arms, have since been handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation and prosecution.
In a related development, troops have recorded significant gains in ongoing anti-oil theft operations between 25 August and 7 September 2025. These efforts resulted in the destruction of six illegal refining sites, arrest of 35 suspects—including gunrunners, oil thieves, and other criminals—as well as the confiscation of over 14,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In Rivers State, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites around Kilometre 45 axis in Degema Local Government Area (LGA), where 4,500 litres and 3,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered. Around Rumukpe in Emohua LGA, several dugout pits filled with crude oil were discovered, and one suspect was arrested while attempting to package over 1,800 litres of stolen crude into sacks.
Similarly, at Abacheke Community, near the Rivers–Imo boundary, troops recovered 35 sacks containing over 1,750 litres of illegally refined AGO, alongside a motorcycle and an Infinix mobile phone. One suspect was also apprehended. In Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, a white Mitsubishi Hilux conveying 12 sacks of stolen AGO was intercepted along the Kiri Omoku–Elele road. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting troops.
In Delta State, troops uncovered an illegal refining site at Ifie Community, Warri South LGA, with two cooking pots. Also recovered were 35 sacks filled with more than 1,050 litres of stolen AGO.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted a red mini bus with registration number ABK 398XA at Ekparakwa Community along the Ikot Abasi–Oruk Anam road. The vehicle contained 750 litres of stolen AGO concealed in 25 nylon bags. Similarly, at Ukpom Community in Abak LGA, troops raided another illegal refining site, destroying 21 jerricans of stolen AGO, alongside several empty jerricans and storage drums.
Troops in Bayelsa State also sustained aggressive patrols, dominating waterways and hinterlands to deny criminals freedom of action and frustrate illicit oil bunkering activities.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to stamping out criminal activities in the Niger Delta and urged citizens to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
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