In a clandestine operation in Asaba, Delta State, the Department of State Services (DSS) retrieved 50 AK-47 weapons, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
An Itsekiri serving in the British Army (name withheld) was also detained by the agency after he allegedly obtained the weapons at Collins’ request.
The principal suspect, a Major in the British Army, and numerous colleagues were arrested by DSS Delta Command agents Friday night in connection with the illicit weaponry shipment, according to multiple DSS sources.
His colleagues were captured in Asaba, while the British army officer was reportedly stopped in Lagos just before he boarded a flight to the UK.
“An Itsekiri in the British Army is accused of obtaining weapons and ammunition at the request of one Collins in order to cause disturbances in Warri,” the source said.
“” Agents from the DSS Delta Command captured the arms dealer and a number of colleagues after a clandestine encounter in Delta State, close to Asaba. They confiscated more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 50 AK-47 rifles.
“” Soon after, the British Major attempted to enter Nigeria’s border on his way to the UK, but was stopped by DSS officers in Lagos.
“DSS now has possession of all accused. Anyone found to be planning tribal clashes will be held accountable after the DSS conducts a thorough and open inquiry.
Opponents of the Warri Federal Constituency’s ward and polling unit demarcation are suspected of obtaining the weapons.
In relation to the issue, a strong traditional ruler is also being covertly examined.
Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities have already been shown the report by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the ward and polling unit demarcation in the Warri Federal Constituency.
During the presentation in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, State Resident Electoral Commissioner Etekamba Umoren, the INEC chairman’s representative, stated that the Supreme Court’s December 22, 2022, ruling, which mandated that the Commission carry out the exercise, was the reason behind the new ward and polling unit delineation fieldwork.
On behalf of the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic groups, respectively, Chief Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban, and Dr. Joe Bisina received copies of the demarcation report.
The chairman of INEC stated in his remarks that this was the sixth time the Commission had met with the stakeholders since the ruling of the Supreme Court, which ordered the Commission to conduct the exercise in the three local government districts of the Warri Federal Constituency.
Since the Commission was prepared to accept the report as a working document in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order, he invited the interested parties to read it and reply accordingly.
But tensions in the state have been heightened by the proposed demarcation, as several individuals and groups are against the exercise.
Many Ijaw youths recently demonstrated in favor of the exercise by marching to the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Selected from the communities of Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba, they claimed that the INEC delineation process was reasonable and consistent with the ruling of the Supreme Court.
They praised INEC for what they described as a transparent procedure, claiming that it concluded years of Ijaw political marginalization in the constituency.
