DSS Apprehends British Army Major, Seizes Cache of Illegal Arms in Delta and Lagos

In a major security breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a British Army major and several accomplices for their involvement in the smuggling of over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition. The suspects were captured in separate operations in Lagos and Asaba, the capital of Delta State.

The arrests have sent shockwaves through security circles, highlighting the alarming intersection between international actors and local unrest in Nigeria’s Delta region.

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Smuggling Operations Uncovered as Authorities Seize Firearms

The focus keyword here is “Smuggling,” as the coordinated smuggling operation uncovered by DSS agents stands at the center of the latest crackdown.

According to credible sources cited by The Nation, the British Army officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, belongs to an ethnic group native to Delta State. He was reportedly acting on the request of an individual known as Collins, who allegedly sought to procure arms to incite unrest in Warri, a city fraught with political tensions.

Operatives first apprehended the arms supplier and several associates during a covert operation near Asaba. Authorities recovered a staggering arsenal, including over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Shortly afterward, DSS agents in Lagos intercepted the British major as he attempted to leave Nigeria for the United Kingdom.

“All suspects are now in DSS custody,” one security source confirmed. “The DSS will carry out a full and transparent investigation and hold anyone found plotting tribal conflicts to account.”

The interception comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Nigeria, where arms trafficking continues to fuel ethnic, political, and criminal violence across various regions.

Traditional Ruler Under Investigation

Adding another layer of complexity to the investigation, a traditional ruler is now under discreet scrutiny over alleged links to the arms smuggling plot. Although specific details have not been publicly disclosed, sources within the DSS suggest that the ruler may have played a role in facilitating or supporting the illegal arms acquisition.

Authorities are reportedly exploring multiple angles, including political motivations linked to recent developments in the Warri Federal Constituency, where the delineation of wards and polling units has stirred intense controversy among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups.

Tension Over Warri Constituency Delineation

The delineation exercise, mandated by a Supreme Court ruling on December 22, 2022, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redraw ward and polling unit boundaries within the Warri Federal Constituency. This decision followed longstanding disputes among the constituent ethnic groups over political representation and resource allocation.

During a formal presentation of the delineation report in Asaba, INEC’s State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren, emphasized the importance of the exercise. Representatives from the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw communities—Chief Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban, and Dr. Joe Bisina, respectively—received copies of the report.

INEC Chairman, represented at the event, reiterated the Commission’s readiness to adopt the new delineation framework based on stakeholders’ feedback and in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive.

However, the proposal has not been without controversy. While some groups view the delineation as a step towards equitable representation, others have opposed it fiercely, claiming it threatens their political standing.

Recently, Ijaw youths from communities such as Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba staged a peaceful demonstration at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja. They expressed support for the delineation exercise, declaring it a victory against years of political marginalization.

The youths hailed INEC for conducting what they described as a transparent and fair process, emphasizing that the exercise aligned fully with the Supreme Court ruling and provided long-overdue political justice for the Ijaw people.

The arrest of a British Army officer allegedly involved in an arms smuggling ring linked to political tensions in Warri marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against illegal arms proliferation and political instability. As investigations unfold, all eyes will be on the DSS to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry, particularly given the international dimensions and the involvement of traditional authorities.

With the Warri constituency still grappling with the fallout from the delineation exercise, it remains to be seen whether this crackdown will help stabilize the region—or if it will trigger further unrest as the various ethnic groups navigate their complex political realities.