The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has successfully dismantled a notorious gunrunning syndicate operating in the Niger Delta Region.

In a statement on September 8, 2025, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, disclosed that the intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of suspects and the recovery of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs).

He said troops intercepted two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun during the operation, adding that the weapons were likely destined for criminal elements across the region. He stressed the significance of the Army’s efforts in curbing the proliferation of illicit arms.

The gunrunners, identified as Innocent Emiyokumo Deidei (also known as Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor, and Godwin Osik, were apprehended at different times through intelligence-driven operations.

“A total of 35 suspects were arrested in connection with the gunrunning syndicate. The suspects were found to be using the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States corridor for the discreet movement of illicit SALWs within the NDR. The suspects and arms recovered were handed over to the relevant agency for prosecution.

“This development underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating the proliferation of illicit arms and ensuring that those involved in such activities are brought to justice,” he said.

Relatedly, troops of 6 Division reported significant successes in ongoing anti-oil theft operations across the Niger Delta Region. Between August 25 and September 7, 2025, troops destroyed six illegal refining sites, arrested 35 suspects, and confiscated over 14,000 litres of stolen products.

In Rivers State, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites around the Kilometre 45 axis in Degema Council, recovering 4,500 litres of stolen crude and 3,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil.