A British Army officer (name withheld) and his accomplices have been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the smuggling of over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, The Nation report.
It was gathered that the suspects were apprehended in Lagos and Asaba, the Delta State capital.
According to multiple sources within the agency, the British Army officer, who hails from one of the ethnic nationalities in Delta State, allegedly procured the weapons at the behest of an individual (name also withheld).
Sources confirmed over the weekend that the prime suspect and several associates linked to the illegal arms supply are currently in DSS custody.
The British Army officer was reportedly intercepted in Lagos while attempting to travel to the United Kingdom, while his associates were arrested 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.
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.
Shortly thereafter, DSS agents in Lagos intercepted the British Major as he tried to leave Nigeria for the United Kingdom.
All suspects are now in DSS custody. The DSS will carry out a full and transparent investigation and ensure that anyone found plotting tribal conflicts is held accountable.”
The Nation alleged that the arms were procured by elements opposed to the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency.
It was further learnt that a traditional ruler is being discreetly investigated in connection with the matter.
Earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had presented the delineation report of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency to the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.
Speaking during the presentation in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren — representing the INEC chairman — said the fresh delineation fieldwork was prompted by the Supreme Court judgment of December 22, 2022, which mandated the commission 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.
In his address during the meeting, the INEC chairman’s representative noted that the meeting was the fifth engagement with stakeholders since the apex court’s verdict, which ordered the commission to carry out the exercise in the three local government areas comprising the Warri Federal Constituency.
He urged stakeholders to study the report and respond appropriately, noting that INEC was prepared to adopt it as a working document in compliance with the Supreme Court directive.
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.
Drawn from the Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba communities, the youths said the exercise was fair and aligned with the Supreme Court judgment.
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