Army Smash Gunrunning Syndicate, Destroy Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have dismantled major gunrunning syndicates and destroyed multiple illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), recovering weapons, stolen crude, and illegally refined petroleum products in a series of operations.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the intelligence-led operation targeted arms traffickers notorious for supplying criminals across Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States.

During the operation, troops intercepted two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun. The suspects, identified as Innocent Emiyemokumo Deidei (alias Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor, and Godwin Osik, were arrested at different times and handed over, alongside the recovered weapons, to relevant agencies for prosecution.

In a related development, troops also intensified anti-oil theft operations between August 25 and September 7, 2025, destroying six illegal refining sites, arresting 35 suspects, and confiscating over 14,000 litres of stolen products.

In Rivers State, operations in Degema and Emohua LGAs led to the recovery of more than 9,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO), while at Abacheke Community, along the Rivers–Imo boundary, troops seized 35 sacks containing 1,750 litres of refined AGO. A Mitsubishi Hilux loaded with stolen petroleum products was also intercepted at Omoku, though the driver fled.

Similarly, in Delta State, troops uncovered an illegal refining site at Ifie Community, Warri South LGA, where over 1,000 litres of AGO were recovered. In Akwa Ibom State, a mini bus conveying 750 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted at Ekparakwa Community, while another illegal refining site was destroyed in Abak LGA.

Troops in Bayelsa State also maintained heavy surveillance of waterways and hinterlands, effectively frustrating criminal activities.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to combating gunrunning, oil theft, and related crimes in the region, stressing that it will sustain ongoing operations to deny criminals freedom of action in the Niger Delta.