PICTORIAL: Army Smashes Gunrunning Syndicate, Arrests 35 Suspected Oil Thieves In Niger Delta

Troops of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have smashed gunrunning syndicate noted for trafficking small arms and light weapons to criminals across the Niger Delta region.

The troops also arrested no fewer than 35 suspects, destroyed six illegal refining sites and confiscated over 14,000 litres of stolen products, in consolidating on the ongoing anti-oil theft operations across the region.

Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday night, said the gunrunners identified as Innocent Emiyemokumo Deidei a.k.a. Sele Bobo, Godknows Alabor Avor and Godwin Osik were apprehended at different times through intelligence-driven operations.

Two English pistols, 4 locally-fabricated pistols, and a double-barrel gun were recovered from the suspects noted to be engaged in arms deals, using the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States corridor for the discreet movement of illicit arms and light weapons.

Danjuma further stated that the suspects and recovered arms have been handed over to relevant security agency for prosecution.

He said the anti-oil theft operations were carried out between 25 August and 7 September 2025, in Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom States.

“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,” Danjuma said.

“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,” he said.

Danjuma added that several items including one motorcycle and an Infinix mobile phone were recovered with a suspected oil thief 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,” Danjuma said.

Similarly, an illegal refining site was discovered with two cooking pots at Ifie Community in Warri South LGA of Delta State where 35 sacks filled with over 1,050 litres of stolen AGO were recovered.

Meanwhile, a red mini bus with registration number ABK 398XA was intercepted at Ekparakwa Community along the Ikot Abasi–Oruk Anam road in Akwa Ibom State 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 where 21 jerricans filled with stolen AGO, along with several empty jerricans and storage drums, were destroyed.

“Troops also maintained vigilance in Bayelsa State, dominating waterways and hinterlands, effectively denying criminals freedom of action,” Danjuma said.

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