Troops bust gunrunning syndicates, nab 35 suspects in Niger Delta
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has successfully dismantled a notorious gunrunning syndicate operating in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
In a statement released on September 8, 2025, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, disclosed that the operation was intelligence-led and resulted in the arrest of suspects and the recovery of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs).
He noted that the troops intercepted two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barreled gun during the operation, adding that the weapons were likely destined for criminal elements across the region, highlighting the significance of the Army’s efforts in curbing the proliferation of illicit arms.
He also noted that the gunrunners, identified as Innocent Emiyokumo Deidei (AKA Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor, and Godwin Osik, were apprehended at different times through intelligence-driven operations.
He said: “A total of 35 suspects were arrested in connection with the gunrunning syndicate. The suspects were found to be using the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States corridor for the discreet movement of illicit SALWs within the NDR.
“The suspects and arms recovered were handed over to the relevant agency for prosecution. This development underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating the proliferation of illicit arms and ensuring that those involved in such activities are brought to justice.”
Relatedly, troops of 6 Division have reported significant successes in their ongoing anti-oil theft operations across the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
Between August 25 and September 7, 2025, troops made notable gains, destroying six illegal refining sites, arresting 35 suspects, and confiscating over 14,000 litres of stolen products.
Additionally, around Rumukpe in Emohua LGA, troops discovered multiple dugout pits with crude oil and apprehended a suspect attempting to package over 1,800 litres of stolen crude in sacks.
Lt. Col. Danjuma noted that at Abacheke Community, near the boundary between Rivers and Imo States, troops recovered 35 sacks filled with over 1,750 litres of illegally refined AGO, stating that several items were also recovered, including one motorcycle and an Infinix mobile phone.
He said, “One suspected oil thief was apprehended. In another operation, a white Mitsubishi Hilux conveying 12 sacks of stolen AGO was intercepted along the Kiri Omoku–Elele road in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bush on sighting troops.”
In Delta State, troops discovered an illegal refining site at Ifie Community in Warri South LGA, recovering 35 sacks filled with over 1,050 litres of stolen AGO. In Akwa Ibom State, a red mini bus loaded with 750 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted along the Ikot Abasi–Oruk Anam road.
He said troops also raided an illegal refining site at Ukpom Community in Abak LGA, destroying 21 jerricans filled with stolen AGO and several empty jerricans and storage drums.
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division maintained vigilance in Bayelsa State, dominating waterways and hinterlands, effectively denying criminals freedom of action. The operation underscores the Army’s commitment to combating oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta Region.
(Guardian)
