Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly thwarted a plan to ignite unrest in Warri, Delta State, leading to the arrest of a foreign-based Army major and several accomplices.
Sources close to the operation revealed that the Army officer, identified as an Itsekiri native, was allegedly recruited by an individual named Collins to source weapons and ammunition aimed at inciting tribal tensions in the oil-rich region.
One insider shared on Friday night that DSS operatives from the Delta Command intercepted the arms dealer during a secret operation near Asaba, Delta State.
During the sting, the DSS recovered more than 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, according to the source.
A security source stated, ‘’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.
“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.’’
Further investigations indicate that a traditional ruler is also under discreet scrutiny in connection to the alleged plot.
Efforts to get an official statement from relevant authorities were unsuccessful as of press time.
These developments unfold amid heightened tensions following the Itsekiri Nation’s rejection of ward delineation exercises conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta State.
The Itsekiri community had earlier threatened legal action should INEC proceed with the delineation process.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that a violent clash linked to the constituency delineation resulted in one death and the burning of houses along Odion Road in the Warri South Local Government Area.
Security forces, including soldiers and police officers, were subsequently deployed to the area to restore and maintain order.
