Warri Delineation: DSS Arrests British Army Officer, Others, Impounds Weapons, Ammunition

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), during a covert operation in Asaba, the Delta State capital, reportedly arrested an Itsekiri serving Major in the British Army and also recovered 50 AK47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition.

Sources said that the arrested British Army officer (name withheld), allegedly procured the weapons at the behest of one Collins.

It was also gathered that the operatives of the Service in Delta State command moved decisively and intercepted the serving British Army officer in Lagos as he was about boarding a flight to the United Kingdom while his other associates were arrested in Asaba.

A close security source told Forefront News that; “it is true that an Itsekiri serving in the British Army alleged to have procured weapons and ammunition at the behest of one Collins to instigate unrest in Warri has been successfully arrested.

It was also gathered that during a covert exchange near Asaba in Delta State, DSS operatives from the Delta State Command arrested the arms supplier and several associates, as well as seized over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition.

The source further said; “DSS operatives in Lagos intercepted the Nigerian born British Major while trying to board a flight to cross the Nigeria’s border to the United Kingdom.

“All the suspects are presently in the custody of the DSS and assisting in the secret service in their investigations that is expected to unravel more details of the arms importation with the aim of nipping in the bud the precarious security situation particularly with regards to tribal conflict in the Wari area.

Forefront News also gathered that there are indications that the arms may have been procured by those opposed to the delineation of the wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency.

This was as it was further gathered that a prominent traditional ruler is being fingered in the arms deals and presently being discreetly investigated in connection with the matter.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had presented the report on the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency to the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu’s representative, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Etekamba Umoren, at the presentation held in Asaba said that the fresh ward and polling unit delineation fieldwork was prompted by the Supreme Court judgment of December 22, 2022, which ordered it to conduct the exercise.

Copies of the delineation report were received by Chief Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban, and Dr Joe Bisina on behalf of the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic nationalities, respectively.

However, the delineation has generated tension in the state, with different groups and stakeholders expressing support and opposition for the exercise.