The recoveries were made during a covert operation in Asaba, the state capital.
Additionally, the agency nabbed anunnamed British Army officer, who haiked ftom Itsekiri (name withheld).
He was alleged to have procured the weapons, following a deal with one Collins.
According to multiple DSS sources the operatives from the DSS Delta Command arrested the prime suspect, a Major in the British Army, and many associates in connection with the illegal arms haul.
The British army officer was reportedly intercepted as he was about to board a United bound a flight from Lagos.
Meanwhile, his associates were arrested in Asaba.
‘’An Itsekiri serving in the British Army is alleged to have procured weapons and ammunition at the behest of one Collins to instigate unrest in Warri,” a source said.
‘’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 British Major as he tried to cross Nigeria’s border en route to the 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.’’
It was suspected that the arms procurement waz made by oppo ents of the delineation of the wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier presented the report on the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency to the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.
INEC chairman’s representative, State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren, at the presentation held in Asaba, the Delta State capital, said that the fresh ward and polling unit delineation fieldwork was prompted by the Supreme Court judgment of December 22, 2022, which ordered the Commission to conduct the exercise.
Copies of the delineation report were received by Chief Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban, and Dr. Joe Bisina on behalf of the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic nationalities, respectively.
In his address during the meeting, the INEC chairman noted that the meeting was the fifth engagement with the stakeholders since the apex court verdict, which mandated the Commission to carry out the exercise in the three local government areas in Warri Federal Constituency.
He urged the stakeholders to study the report and respond to it appropriately, as the Commission was ready to adopt the report, as a working document in line with the Supreme Court directive.
However, the planned delineation has stoked tension in the state, with some groups and stakeholders opposed to the exercise.
Recently, scores of Ijaw youths marched to the INEC headquarters in Abuja in support of the exercise.
Drawn from the Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba communities, they said the INEC delineation exercise was fair and in line with the Supreme Court judgment.
They commended INEC for what they called a transparent process, which they said marked the end of years of political marginalisation of the Ijaw people in the constituency.
A powerful traditional ruler is also reportedly being discreetly investigated in connection with the matter.
