Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have intensified operations against oil theft and arms trafficking in the Niger Delta, achieving significant breakthroughs in Rivers State and beyond. A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, revealed that between August 25 and September 7, 35 suspects were arrested, six illegal refining sites destroyed, and over 14,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined products recovered.
At the Kilometre 45 axis in Degema Local Government Area, soldiers destroyed two illegal refining sites, recovering 4,500 litres and 3,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). In Emohua, a dugout pit filled with crude oil was uncovered, and a suspect was arrested while attempting to package 1,800 litres of stolen crude in sacks. At Abacheke near the Rivers–Imo border, troops seized 35 sacks containing 1,750 litres of refined AGO, while in Omoku a Mitsubishi Hilux carrying 12 sacks of AGO was intercepted before the driver fled.
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The operation extended to other states across the Niger Delta. In Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, soldiers recovered 1,050 litres of stolen AGO from an illegal refining site. In Akwa Ibom, a red minibus carrying 750 litres of AGO was intercepted in Oruk Anam LGA, and another site in Abak saw the destruction of 21 jerricans and several storage drums. Bayelsa State troops continued dominating waterways and hinterlands, preventing criminal activities.
The Army also dismantled a notorious gunrunning syndicate responsible for trafficking small arms and light weapons across the region. Suspects Innocent Emiyemokumo Deidei (alias Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor, and Godwin Osik were arrested through intelligence-led operations. Troops recovered two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barreled gun.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma described the operations as a major success, stating: “The arrest of 35 criminals, the destruction of six illegal refining sites, and the confiscation of over 14,000 litres of stolen products underscores our commitment to denying criminals freedom of action in the Niger Delta.” He added that the suspects and recovered arms have been handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution, reaffirming the Army’s ongoing vigilance in securing the region.