The Department of State Services (DSS) has foiled an alleged plot to trigger widespread unrest in Warri, Delta State, leading to the arrest of a foreign-based Army Major of Itsekiri origin and several others reportedly involved in the scheme.
According to insider sources familiar with the operation, the Army officer was allegedly recruited by a man identified as Collins, tasked with procuring large quantities of weapons and ammunition aimed at fueling tribal tensions in the oil-rich region of the Niger Delta.
Sources revealed late Friday night that the DSS Delta Command operatives carried out a covert sting operation near Asaba, Delta State, successfully apprehending the main arms supplier. During the operation, authorities seized a shocking cache of weapons, including over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
An insider explained that the Itsekiri-born Army Major, serving in a foreign military, allegedly secured the arms under Collins’ direction to provoke chaos and destabilization in Warri. The situation took a dramatic turn when DSS agents in Lagos intercepted the Army officer as he attempted to flee Nigeria, allegedly heading toward the United Kingdom. All suspects involved are now in DSS custody, with investigations ongoing to ensure that anyone found guilty of plotting tribal violence will be held accountable.
Emerging reports also suggest that a prominent traditional ruler is discreetly under investigation in connection with the failed plot, raising serious concerns about the potential involvement of high-profile figures.
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the DSS or other relevant authorities were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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This stunning development comes against the backdrop of rising tensions in Delta State, following widespread rejection of the recent ward delineation exercise by the Itsekiri Nation. The ethnic group had threatened to initiate legal action against the Independent National Electo ral Commission (INEC) if the exercise proceeded without addressing their grievances.
Tensions had already boiled over earlier this month, when violence erupted on Odion Road in the Warri South Local Government Area, leaving one person dead and several houses razed. The crisis was linked to the controversial constituency delineation by INEC.
In response to the escalating unrest, soldiers, police officers, and other security operatives have been deployed heavily across Warri to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
The foiled arms smuggling plot has now raised fresh alarms over the fragile peace in Delta State, even as security forces intensify efforts to protect the region from political and ethnic turmoil.
