Troops Dismantle Gunrunning Syndicates, Arrest 35 Suspects in Ongoing Niger Delta Operations
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing security operations across the Niger Delta Region (NDR), with the dismantling of notorious gunrunning networks and the arrest of 35 suspects linked to arms trafficking, oil theft, and other criminal activities.
In a series of intelligence-led operations, soldiers intercepted two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun from syndicates engaged in trafficking Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) across Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States.
The gunrunners, identified as Innocent Emiyemokumo Deidei (popularly known as Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor, and Godwin Osik, were apprehended at different times through coordinated operations. Both the suspects and the recovered weapons have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
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Consolidating on anti-oil theft operations between 25 August and 7 September 2025, troops also destroyed six illegal refining sites, confiscated more than 14,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and arrested 35 individuals involved in gunrunning, pipeline vandalism, and other related crimes.
In Rivers State, two illegal refining sites were deactivated in Degema LGA, yielding 7,500 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). Another suspect was caught in Emohua LGA attempting to package 1,800 litres of stolen crude into sacks.
At Abacheke Community near the Rivers–Imo border, troops seized 35 sacks containing 1,750 litres of illegally refined AGO, alongside a motorcycle and a mobile phone. In Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, a white Mitsubishi Hilux loaded with 12 sacks of stolen AGO was intercepted, though the driver escaped.
Similar operations in Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States led to the discovery and dismantling of illegal refining facilities, recovery of thousands of litres of stolen AGO, and seizure of vehicles used for transporting illicit products. In one case, troops in Akwa Ibom impounded a red minibus loaded with 750 litres of stolen AGO.
The Army assured that its troops remain resolute in dominating both waterways and hinterlands across the Niger Delta to deny criminals freedom of action and safeguard critical national assets.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Division, confirmed the developments in a statement issued on Monday, 8 September 2025.
