By Amaechi Okonkwo
Copyright tribuneonlineng
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have announced the arrest of three members of a gunrunning syndicate notorious for trafficking Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) to criminals across the Niger Delta Region.
This is in addition to the arrest of other 35 suspects involved in illegal bunkering activities across four states of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, gave the names of the gunrunning suspects as Innocent Emiyemokumo Deidei (a.k.a. Sele Bobo), Godknows Alabor Avor and Godwin Osik, were apprehended at different times through intelligence-driven operations.
He said the operation led to the interception of two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun, adding that the suspects and arms recovered were handed over to the relevant agency for prosecution.
The statement read in part: “Troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, in a painstaking intelligence-led operation, successfully smashed gunrunning syndicates noted for their notoriety in trafficking Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) to criminals across the Niger Delta Region.
“The operation led to the interception of two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun. The criminals were noted to be engaged in arms deals using the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states corridor for the discreet movement of illicit SALWs within the region.”
He added that in a related development, while consolidating on ongoing anti-oil theft operations across the Niger Delta region, troops made notable gains between 25 August 25 and September 7, which resulted in the destruction of six illegal refining sites, the arrest of 35 criminals and the confiscation of over 14,000 litres of stolen products. “Those arrested included three gunrunners, oil thieves, and others involved in sundry crimes,” he stated.
The 6-Division Nigerian Army spokesman said that in Rivers State, around the Kilometre 45 axis in Degema Local Government Area, two illegal refining sites were deactivated, with 4,500 litres and 3,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) recovered, respectively.
He further said: “Also, around Rumukpe in Emohua Local Government Area, troops discovered multiple dugout pits with crude oil. A suspect was picked up while attempting to package over 1,800 litres of stolen crude in sacks.
“Additionally, at Abacheke community, near the boundary between Rivers and Imo states, troops recovered 35 sacks filled with over 1,750 litres of illegally refined AGO. Several items were recovered, including one motorcycle and an Infinix mobile phone. One suspected oil thief was apprehended. At Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, a white Mitsubishi Hilux conveying 12 sacks of stolen AGO was intercepted on the Kiri Omoku–Elele road. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bush on sighting troops.
“Similarly, in Delta State, at Ifie community in Warri South Local Government Area, an illegal refining site was discovered with two cooking pots. Also recovered at the site were 35 sacks filled with over 1,050 litres of stolen AGO.
“Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, at Ekparakwa Community on the Ikot Abasi–Oruk Anam road, a red mini bus with registration number ABK 398XA was intercepted. The vehicle was loaded with 750 litres of stolen AGO contained in 25 nylon bags. Additionally, troops raided an illegal refining site at Ukpom community in Abak Local Government Area. During the operation, 21 jerricans filled with stolen AGO, along with several empty jerricans and storage drums, were destroyed.
“Troops maintained vigilance in Bayelsa State, dominating waterways and hinterlands, effectively denying criminals freedom of action.”
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