DSS reportedly arrests British Army Major, seizes cache of weapons in Delta

The Department of State Services (DSS) has seized a significant cache of arms, including 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition during a covert operation in Asaba, Delta State.

A serving Itsekiri officer in the British Army, whose name remains undisclosed, was among those reportedly arrested. He is alleged to have procured the weapons at the request of an individual identified simply as Collins.

Multiple DSS sources confirmed on Friday night that operatives from the Delta State Command arrested the British Army Major and several of his associates over their involvement in the illicit arms deal.

The British officer was apprehended in Lagos while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom, while his collaborators were captured in Asaba.

READ ALSO:Ijaws back INEC on Warri Federal Constituency’s delineation, take solidarity protest to Abuja

A source said, “An Itsekiri serving in the British Army is alleged to have procured weapons and ammunition at the behest of one Collins to instigate unrest in Warri.

“During a covert exchange near Asaba in Delta State, operatives from the DSS Delta Command apprehended the arms supplier and several associates, seizing over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition.

“Shortly thereafter, DSS agents in Lagos intercepted the British Major as he tried to cross Nigeria’s border en route to the United Kingdom.

“All suspects are now in DSS custody. The DSS will carry out a full and transparent investigation and hold anyone found plotting tribal conflicts to account.’’

It is believed that the arms were intended for groups opposing the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency.

A prominent traditional ruler is also reportedly under discreet investigation in connection with the incident.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recently presented the delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency to the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups.

Etekamba Umoren, the Resident Electoral Commissioner representing the INEC chairman at the event in Asaba, explained that the delineation exercise followed a Supreme Court ruling delivered on December 22, 2022, which mandated the Commission to undertake the project.

Copies of the new delineation report were handed over to Chief Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban, and Dr. Joe Bisina, representing the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw communities, respectively.

During his address, the INEC chairman’s representative noted that the meeting was the fifth engagement with stakeholders since the Supreme Court’s decision, adding that the Commission was prepared to adopt the report as its working document.

He encouraged stakeholders to thoroughly review the document and provide feedback as required.

Nonetheless, the delineation exercise has heightened tensions in Delta State, with some groups expressing opposition.

In contrast, a coalition of Ijaw youths recently staged a demonstration at INEC headquarters in Abuja, declaring their support for the project.

The youths, drawn from Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba communities, described the delineation as a fair process that adhered to the Supreme Court’s judgment.

They praised INEC for what they called a transparent effort, stating it had helped address the long-standing political marginalisation of the Ijaw people in the constituency.