From Victor Edozie, in Port Harcourt
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt said its troops have successfully smashed gun running syndicate noted for their notoriety in trafficking Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) to criminals across the Niger Delta Region.
The Division’s Deputy Director of Public Relation, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah in a statement in Port Harcourt said the operation led to the interception of two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun.
Danjuma said the criminals were noted to be engaged in arms deals using the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States corridor for the discreet movement of illicit weapons within the the Niger Delta region.
He said, “The gunrunners identified as Innocent Emiyemokumo Deidei (AKA Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor, and Godwin Osik, were apprehended at different times through intelligence-driven operations. The suspects and arms recovered were handed over to the relevant agency for prosecution.
“Relatedly, while consolidating on the ongoing anti-oil theft operations across the NDR, troops made notable gains between 25 August and 7 September 2025. These resulted in the destruction of six illegal refining sites, the arrest of 35 criminals, and the confiscation of over 14,000 litres of stolen products. Those arrested included three gunrunners, oil thieves, and others involved in sundry crimes.
“In Rivers State, around the Kilometre 45 axis in Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites were deactivated, with 4,500 litres and 3,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) recovered respectively.
“Also, around Rumukpe in Emohua LGA, troops discovered multiple dugout pits with crude oil. A suspect was picked up while attempting to package over 1,800 litres of stolen crude in sacks. Additionally, 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. Several items were recovered, including one motorcycle and an Infinix mobile phone. One suspected oil thief was apprehended. At Omoku in 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 into the nearby bush on sighting troops.
“Similarly, in Delta State, at Ifie Community in Warri South LGA, an illegal refining site was discovered with two cooking pots. Also recovered at the site were 35 sacks filled with over 1,050 litres of stolen AGO. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, at Ekparakwa Community along the Ikot Abasi–Oruk Anam road, a red mini bus with registration number ABK 398XA was intercepted. The vehicle was loaded with 750 litres of stolen AGO contained in 25 nylon bags. Additionally, troops raided an illegal refining site at Ukpom Community in Abak LGA. During the operation, 21 jerricans filled with stolen AGO, along with several empty jerricans and storage drums, were destroyed. Troops maintained vigilance in Bayelsa State, dominating waterways and hinterlands, effectively denying criminals freedom of action.”
