Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a British Army major (name withheld) along with several accomplices over the smuggling of more than 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
The arrests were made in Lagos and Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
Sources revealed to The Nation that the British officer, who hails from an ethnic group in Delta State, allegedly acquired the weapons at the request of an unnamed individual.
According to multiple agency insiders, the officer and several others linked to the arms trafficking network are now in custody.
The major was reportedly intercepted in Lagos while preparing to travel to the United Kingdom, while his associates were apprehended in Asaba.
A source stated: ‘’A man serving in the British Army is alleged to have procured weapons and ammunition at the behest of one Collins to instigate unrest in Warri.
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“During a covert exchange near Asaba in Delta State 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.
‘’Shortly thereafter, DSS agents in Lagos intercepted the British Major as he tried to cross Nigeria’s border en route to the United Kingdom.
“All suspects are now in DSS custody. The DSS will carry out a full and transparent investigation and hold anyone found plotting tribal conflicts to account.’’
The smuggled arms were allegedly acquired by individuals opposed to the recent delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency, according to reports.
Sources also disclosed that a traditional ruler is under discreet investigation in connection with the arms smuggling.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier submitted a report on the delineation of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency to representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups.
At a presentation held in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren, who represented the INEC Chairman, explained that the delineation exercise was carried out in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 22, 2022, which ordered the Commission to undertake the task.
Copies of the delineation report were formally presented to Chief Victor Okumagba (Urhobo), Dr. Andrew Igban (Itsekiri), and Dr. Joe Bisina (Ijaw).
Speaking at the event, Umoren noted that it was the fifth engagement with stakeholders following the Supreme Court ruling, and he encouraged them to review the report carefully and submit their feedback. He stressed that INEC intended to adopt the document as its official guide for future electoral activities in the constituency.
Despite these efforts, the delineation exercise has sparked tension, with some groups voicing strong opposition.
In contrast, several Ijaw youths recently staged a peaceful march to the INEC headquarters in Abuja to show their support for the delineation process.
The youths, drawn from the Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba communities, praised INEC for what they described as a fair and transparent process.
They said the new delineation marked a significant step toward ending the political marginalisation of the Ijaw people in Warri Federal Constituency.
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