There is palpable tension in Warri, Delta State, South-South Nigeria, following recovery of arms and ammunition by operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS), from some suspects.
Multiple sources in the DSS confirmed on Friday night that operatives of the Secret Service intercepted and recovered about 57 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, during a covert operation in Asaba, the State capital.
Among the suspects linked to the recovered arms is a British Army Major who hails from one of the ethnic groups in the oil-rich city, who allegedly procured the weapons at the behest of one Collins.
The British Army officer was reportedly intercepted in Lagos as he was about boarding a flight to the United Kingdom, while his associates were apprehended in Asaba.
One of the sources who spoke in confidence, related how the British Army officer allegedly procured weapons and ammunition at the behest of one associates, to instigate unrest in Warri.
“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 shortguns, 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,” he said.
It was also gathered that a powerful traditional ruler is also being discreetly investigated in connection with the matter.
Meanwhile, there are suspicions that the arms procurement may not be unconnected with the tension gradually brewing up in connection with the delineation of the Wards and Polling Units in the Warri Federal Constituency.
The development is already fueling apprehension over the possibility of a resurgence of the ethnic conflicts that ravaged the oil-rich city some decades ago.
