Niger Delta Operations: Troops Arrest 35, Recover Arms and Stolen Oil
Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt fresh blows to criminal networks in the Niger Delta, smashing notorious gunrunning syndicates, dismantling illegal refineries, and arresting 35 suspects in sweeping operations across four states.
The raids, conducted by troops of 6 Division between August 25 and September 7, uncovered arms traffickers who supplied weapons to criminals across Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, while also crippling oil theft rings responsible for siphoning thousands of litres of stolen crude and illegally refined products.
Army spokesman for the Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed in a statement on Monday that three suspected gunrunners — Innocent Emiyemokumo Deidei (alias Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor, and Godwin Osik — were picked up in intelligence-led operations. Troops recovered two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrel gun from the syndicates, which have long been on the Army’s watchlist.
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Alongside the gunrunning clampdown, troops also went after oil thieves in Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States. Six illegal refining sites were destroyed, while more than 14,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were seized.
In Rivers State, soldiers stormed refining hubs in Degema and Emohua LGAs, recovering thousands of litres of crude and AGO. At Abacheke near the Rivers–Imo border, 35 sacks filled with stolen AGO were intercepted, while a Hilux truck loaded with 12 sacks of AGO was abandoned by its driver on sighting troops.
Similar raids in Delta and Akwa Ibom uncovered more stolen products, including 750 litres of AGO hidden in a red minibus intercepted at Ekparakwa in Oruk Anam LGA. In Abak LGA, troops destroyed storage drums and jerricans used for illegal refining.
The Army said its men have continued to dominate waterways and hinterlands in Bayelsa, preventing criminals from regrouping.
“These operations underscore our resolve to dismantle gunrunning and oil theft networks that undermine security and economic stability in the Niger Delta,” Lt. Col. Danjuma said.
He assured that the Army would sustain its offensive until criminal elements are completely denied safe haven in the region.
By PRNigeria
