The Department of State Service (DSS) has foiled a plot to instigate unrest in Warri, Delta State, arresting a foreign-based Army major and several others allegedly involved in the plan to fuel tribal tensions in the oil-rich region.
According to The Punch, sources familiar with the operation, the Army officer, of Itsekiri origin, was allegedly recruited by one Collins to procure weapons and ammunition intended to fuel tribal tensions in the oil-rich region.
An insider disclosed on Friday night that the DSS operatives from the Delta Command apprehended the arms supplier during a covert operation near Asaba, Delta State.
During the operation, DSS seized over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, according to the insider.
One of the sources said, ‘’An Itsekiri man serving in a foreign 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 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 Army Major as he tried to cross Nigeria’s border en route United Kingdom.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the authorities proved abortive as of press time.
On April 7, it was reported that one person was killed and houses were razed in a crisis that ensued as a result of the INEC’s delineation of constituencies.
The incident reportedly occurred on Odion Road in the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
In response, soldiers, police officers, and other security operatives were deployed to the area to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
The arrests come amid tensions following the rejection of the ward delineation in Delta State by the Itsekiri Nation. “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.” Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the authorities proved abortive as of press time, with a traditional ruler also being discreetly investigated in connection with the matter.
