During 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.
A British Army Itsekiri (name withheld) who allegedly obtained the weapons at Collins’ request was also detained by the CIA.
The principal suspect, a British Army Major, and numerous friends were arrested by DSS Delta Command agents Friday night in connection with the illicit weaponry shipment, according to multiple DSS sources.
While his colleagues were captured in Asaba, the British army officer was reportedly stopped in Lagos just before he boarded a flight to the United Kingdom.
An Itsekiri in the British Army is accused of obtaining firearms and ammunition at the request of a Collins in order to cause disturbances in Warri, according to a source.
“” The arms supplier and several associates were captured by DSS Delta Command agents during 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.
“” Shortly later, the British Major attempted to enter Nigeria’s border on his way to the UK, but was stopped by DSS officials in Lagos.
“The DSS now has possession of all suspects. The DSS will conduct a thorough and open investigation and hold accountable anyone discovered to be planning tribal clashes.
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People who are against the Warri Federal Constituency’s ward and polling unit boundaries are suspected of obtaining the weapons.
In relation to the issue, a strong traditional ruler is also being covertly probed.
The Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities had already been shown the report by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the ward and polling unit demarcation in the Warri Federal Constituency.
At 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 Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic nations, respectively, Chief Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban, and Dr. Joe Bisina received copies of the demarcation report.
The INEC chairman 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.
The Commission was prepared to adopt the report as a working document in accordance with the Supreme Court’s mandate, therefore he invited the stakeholders to read it and reply appropriately.
However, several parties and groups are against the process, which has increased tension in the state because to the proposed delineation.
In support of the activity, a large number of Ijaw youths recently marched to the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Members of the Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba communities claimed that the INEC delineation process was reasonable and consistent with the ruling of the Supreme Court.
They added that years of Ijaw political marginalization in the constituency had come to an end, and they praised INEC for what they described as a transparent process.
