The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a British Army Major and several others, recovering 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition during a covert operation in Delta State.
Sources within the DSS confirmed that the arrests were made during a clandestine operation in Asaba, while the British officer was intercepted at a Lagos airport as he attempted to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
The officer, an Itsekiri native serving in the British Army, is alleged to have procured the weapons at the request of one Collins, with the aim of instigating unrest over the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency.
“During a covert exchange near Asaba, DSS operatives apprehended the arms supplier and several associates,” a source disclosed. “Shortly thereafter, DSS agents in Lagos intercepted the British Major as he tried to leave the country.”
All suspects are currently in DSS custody as investigations continue. The agency pledged a thorough and transparent probe, emphasizing that any individuals involved in plotting tribal conflicts would be prosecuted.
The incident comes amid tensions surrounding the recent delineation of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency. Following a Supreme Court directive, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented the delineation report to the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups.
During a stakeholder meeting in Asaba, INEC, represented by State Resident Electoral Commissioner Etekamba Umoren, urged the ethnic groups to review and respond to the report, which is set to guide future electoral processes in the constituency.
Although some stakeholders oppose the delineation, the move has received public backing from various Ijaw youth groups, who recently staged a demonstration in Abuja to show support for INEC’s process.
A powerful traditional ruler is reportedly under discreet investigation in connection with the arms procurement plot.
INEC maintains that the delineation exercise was conducted transparently and in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling, aimed at addressing long-standing political marginalisation in Warri.
