Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have dismantled gunrunning syndicates notorious for trafficking Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) to criminals across the Niger Delta Region (NDR). The intelligence-led operations led to the interception of two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun.

According to military sources, the syndicates operated along the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa corridor, using it as a discreet route for arms movement within the region. The suspects, identified as Innocent Emiyemokumo Deidei (popularly known as Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor, and Godwin Osik, were arrested at different locations in carefully coordinated operations. They, along with the recovered weapons, have been handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution.

Meanwhile, in ongoing anti-oil theft operations across the Niger Delta, troops recorded significant successes between 25 August and 7 September 2025. Within this period, six illegal refining sites were destroyed, 35 suspects arrested, and over 14,000 litres of stolen petroleum products confiscated. Those arrested included gunrunners, oil thieves, and individuals involved in other related crimes.

In Rivers State, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites around the Kilometre 45 axis in Degema LGA, recovering 4,500 litres and 3,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) respectively. In Emohua LGA, troops uncovered multiple dugout pits filled with crude oil at Rumukpe. One suspect was arrested while attempting to package about 1,800 litres of stolen crude in sacks. Similarly, at Abacheke community near the Rivers–Imo border, 35 sacks containing over 1,750 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized, along with a motorcycle and an Infinix mobile phone. One suspect was arrested. At Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops intercepted a white Mitsubishi Hilux conveying 12 sacks of stolen AGO along the Kiri Omoku–Elele road. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush.

In Delta State, troops raided an illegal refining site at Ifie community in Warri South LGA, discovering two cooking pots and 35 sacks containing about 1,050 litres of stolen AGO. In Akwa Ibom State, at Ekparakwa community along the Ikot Abasi–Oruk Anam road, a red minibus with registration number ABK 398XA was intercepted while transporting 750 litres of AGO concealed in 25 nylon bags. Additionally, at Ukpom community in Abak LGA, troops dismantled another illegal refining site, recovering 21 jerricans filled with AGO and destroying several empty jerricans and storage drums.

Troops also sustained aggressive patrols in Bayelsa State, dominating waterways and hinterlands to deny criminals freedom of action.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining relentless pressure on criminal syndicates and ensuring the restoration of peace and stability across the Niger Delta.