…DSS intercepts cache of sophisticated weapons in Delta as Governor orders total crackdown
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has ordered an all-out security crackdown on criminal networks operating across the state following the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons by operatives of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) in Asaba.
The governor, who made this known on Monday during a visit to the Delta State Command of the DSS, described the interception as a major security breakthrough and commended the agency for its outstanding professionalism and intelligence coordination.
“I am very delighted to be here today. I had to leave another important engagement because this breakthrough recorded by our security agencies is highly commendable and significant to the peace and safety of our state,” Governor 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 cache, noting that the success reflected his administration’s strong commitment to peace, law, and order.
The governor reiterated that his administration would not tolerate any form of insecurity, lawlessness, or arms smuggling, particularly in Warri and its environs.
“Those who are planning to cause crisis should have a rethink. 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 further warned that anyone involved in killings or violent crimes would be tracked down and prosecuted, stressing that Delta remains a peaceful and investor-friendly state.
“Bringing in heavy arms and ammunition of this nature is unacceptable and a direct threat to our collective peace. We will not allow it under any circumstance,” he said.
On the killing of Mr. Jerry Aduara, an indigene of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and two-time chairman of the Odion Urhobo Youth Council, the governor directed security agencies to fish out and arrest those responsible.
“I have directed security agencies to arrest the person who shot and killed somebody in Warri. They should look for that person and bring him to book, including those backing him. Nobody involved will go scot-free because this is Delta State, and we want peace,” he declared.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring that no individual or group takes the law into their own hands, emphasizing that Delta’s focus remains on unity, development, and security.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of Operations, DSS Delta Command, Mr. Anthony Ifemeje, briefed the governor on the intelligence-led operation that led to the interception.
According to him, the October 12, 2025 operation within Asaba metropolis led to the arrest of a notorious arms dealer, Stephen Sabo Atoshi, and his accomplice, a 40-year-old secondary school teacher from Taraba State.
Ifemeje disclosed that the suspects were part of a major syndicate 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 in the illegal trade for eight years and to having supplied over 55 weapons, including GPMGs and AK-47 rifles, across the country,” Ifemeje stated.
Recovered items included seven General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades, and other military-grade weapons, some concealed in bags of beans transported from the North to the Oko Food Market along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.
The operation also uncovered 497 cartons of fake drugs meant for distribution within Delta State.
Ifemeje assured the governor of the DSS’s continued vigilance and determination to dismantle arms supply routes and neutralize criminal networks threatening the state’s peace.
