DSS Intercepts Heavy Arms Cache in Delta.
From our Correspondent.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has ordered a comprehensive crackdown on criminal networks following the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons by the Department of State Security Services (DSS) in Asaba.
During a visit to the Delta State Command of the DSS on Monday, the governor commended the agency for what he described as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the state.
“I am very delighted to be here today. I had to leave another important engagement to be here because the breakthrough recorded by our security agencies is highly commendable and crucial for the peace and safety of our state,” Oborevwori said.
He praised the DSS and other security agencies for their “strategic intelligence, coordination, and determination,” which led to the recovery of the arms, noting that this success reflects Delta State’s strong commitment to maintaining peace and public safety.
The governor warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of insecurity or lawlessness, particularly in Warri and its surrounding areas.
“Those who are planning to cause crises should rethink their actions: we want peace, not trouble. We are working tirelessly to open up Warri for investors and economic growth, but where there is violence, investors will stay away,” he cautioned.
Oborevwori also warned that anyone involved in killings, violence, or arms smuggling would be tracked down and prosecuted. He emphasized that Delta State is committed to being peaceful and investor-friendly, and he vowed to resist any attempts to destabilize it.
“Bringing in heavy arms and ammunition of this nature is unacceptable and poses a direct threat to our collective peace. We will not allow it under any circumstances,” he asserted, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies to ensure the safety of the state.
Regarding the killing of Jerry Aduara, an indigene of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and a two-time chairman of the Odion Urhobo Youth Council, the governor stated, “I have directed security agencies to apprehend the individual who shot and killed a person in Warri. They must find that person and bring him to justice, along with those supporting him. Nobody involved will go unpunished because this is Delta State, and we want peace.”
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and ensuring that no individual or group takes the law into their own hands, emphasizing Delta’s focus on unity, development, and security.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of Operations of the DSS, Delta State Command, Mr. Anthony Ifemeje, briefed the governor on the intelligence-led operation that resulted in the arrests.
According to him, the operation, which took place on October 12, 2025, within the Asaba metropolis, led to the capture of a notorious arms dealer named Stephen Sabo Atoshi and his accomplice, a 40-year-old secondary school teacher from Taraba State.
Ifemeje revealed that the suspects were part of a network trafficking small arms and light weapons from Sebha in southern Libya through Chad into Nigeria via an illegal border in Gidam, Yobe State.
“During interrogation, the prime suspect confessed to being involved in the illegal trade for eight years and stated that he had supplied over 55 weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and AK-47 rifles, across the country,” Ifemeje disclosed.
Items recovered during the operation included seven GPMGs, several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades, and other military-grade weapons, some of which were concealed in bags of beans being transported from the North to the Oko Food Market along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.
Additionally, the DSS uncovered 497 cartons of fake drugs intended for distribution within the state.
Ifemeje assured the government of the command’s continuous vigilance and determination to eliminate arms supply routes and dismantle criminal networks operating in Delta.
