A covert sting operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba, Delta State, has triggered widespread commendation after the seizure of 57 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) hailed the security breakthrough, linking the intercepted weapons to individuals resisting the newly drawn wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The DSS Delta Command also arrested a high-ranking suspect, a Delta-born major in the British Army alongside several accomplices allegedly tied to the illegal weapons stockpile.
In a statement released on the 29th of April, 2025, IYN said the arrest validates confidence in the DSS and its resolve to shield Nigeria from descent into chaos.
The group’s Coordinator, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, signed the statement which praised DSS boss Adeola Ajayi and his team for acting swiftly to avert bloodshed in Warri.
“We hereby commend the Director General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi and the operatives of the service whose alertness and painstaking investigation led to the arrest of the UK Army Major and the seizure of the arms and ammunition involved.
What the DSS has forestalled is a vile attempt to foist a dangerous regime of inter-ethnic violence on Warri and its environs.
“We hold the view that the agency deserves commendation as the magnitude of violence and destruction 57 AK47s in the wrong hands can cause is better imagined,” the Ijaw youths said.
The group called for an all-out investigation to expose everyone behind what it described as a failed plan to reignite ethnic tensions over the INEC delineation exercise.
They urged consistency in the DSS’s approach and demanded that every actor involved including the UK Army major face justice.
The IYN also directed strong words at the British High Commission in Nigeria, urging it to treat their petition over the UK military officer’s role with urgency. They expressed disappointment over the officer’s involvement, calling it a stain on the image of the British Army.
They called on the British government to clarify the officer’s status and distance the UK military from any attempt to destabilize Nigeria.
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IYN didn’t stop there, they warned Ijaws, Urhobos, and Itsekiris in Warri to watch out for people seeking to ignite ethnic violence under the guise of political grievances.
Separately, a coalition of civil society groups called on the British Government to collaborate with Nigeria to probe the major’s actions.
In a letter dated April 28, 2025, and sent to the British High Commissioner, the CSOs said the major posed a serious security risk to the country.
The petition was signed by Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, Zekeri Momoh-Saliu, Mohammed Idris, and Hugo Okafor. The groups involved include:
• Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness
• Coalition for Democratic Watchdogs
• Initiative for Voter Awareness and Electoral Reforms
• Global Centre for Conscience Living Against Corruption
Warri remains tense.
INEC’s decision to redraw wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency has stirred suspicion and fear.
Some believe the arms were meant to fuel violence over the contentious boundary changes.
Security agencies are also probing a traditional ruler reportedly linked to the incident.
INEC’s Delta State office had earlier presented the new delineation report to representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups.
Resident Electoral Commissioner Etekamba Umoren, speaking on behalf of the INEC Chairman, said the review followed a Supreme Court judgment from December 2022.
Representatives of the three major ethnic blocs Chief Victor Okumagba (Urhobo), Dr. Andrew Igban (Itsekiri), and Dr. Joe Bisina (Ijaw) received the reports on behalf of their communities.
Who else is involved?
Who funded the weapons?
Will the UK respond?
Warri waits.