Exclusive: DSS foils plan to stir unrest in Warri
British army officer arrested over smuggled arms
By Samuel Ogunsona
In a shocking development, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a British Army officer and his accomplices in connection with the smuggling of over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition to the Niger Delta.
Irohinoodua was informed that the suspects were apprehended in Lagos and Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The Itsekiri have been complaining of arms build up in the Niger Delta linked to a militant who is also involved in bunkering. The militant is accused of giving bribes to officials of Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to skew the creation of wards against the Itsekiri.
According to report, the British Army officer, who hails from one of the ethnic nationalities in Delta State, allegedly procured the weapons at the prompting of an individual.
“The prime suspect and several associates linked to the illegal arms supply are currently in DSS custody,” a source alleged.
Several groups including the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, (AYDM) had asked President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser to intervene to prevent outbreak of armed conflict in the Niger Delta.
“There is a militant in Warri who is also handling pipeline protection. He bribed some INEC officials to cause confusion in Ward creation in Warri against Itsekiri. This same militant is the one responsible for importing mercenary to Warri. The agenda is to fight the Itsekiri people”, a source told Irohinoodua
Irohinoodua was informed that the British Army officer was reportedly intercepted in Lagos while attempting to travel to the United Kingdom, while his associates were arrested in Asaba.
“During a covert exchange near Asaba, 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,” sources revealed.
The DSS will carry out a full and transparent investigation and ensure that anyone found plotting tribal conflicts is held accountable.
“The DSS will carry out a full and transparent investigation and ensure that anyone found plotting tribal conflicts is held accountable,” officer who wants to remain anonymous mentioned.
The arms procurement is linked to the ongoing delineation dispute in the Warri Federal Constituency.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had presented the delineation report of wards and polling units in the constituency to the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.
“The fresh delineation fieldwork was prompted by the Supreme Court judgment of December 22, 2022, which mandated the commission to conduct the exercise,” said Etekamba Umoren, State Resident Electoral Commissioner, representing the INEC chairman.
However, the planned delineation has stoked tension in Delta State, with some groups and stakeholders expressing opposition to the exercise
Recently, scores of Ijaw youths marched to INEC headquarters in Abuja in support of the delineation exercise, saying it was fair and aligned with the Supreme Court judgment.
On the other hand, the Itsekiri people, in coalition with Yoruba groups, had earlier demanded President Bola Tinubu’s swift intervention and investigation into the INEC chairman over the delineation issue. Irohinodua had reported that the Itsekiri people felt the delineation exercise was unfair.
A traditional ruler is also being discreetly investigated in connection with the matter.
The DSS’s intervention has brought relief to many in the affected communities, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the country.
As the investigation continues, many are watching with bated breath, hoping that the authorities will get to the bottom of the plot and ensure that peace is maintained in the Warri Federal Constituency.
