A chilling conspiracy to ignite chaos in Delta State was shattered on April 29, 2025, as the Department of State Services executed a daring operation in Asaba, seizing 57 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition. The Ijaw Youths Network erupted in praise for the DSS, lauding their swift action that also led to the arrest of a Delta-born British Army Major and his associates, accused of orchestrating the illegal arms deal. The bust, detailed in a statement from IYN coordinators Frank Ebikabo and Federal Ebiaridor, exposed a sinister plan to destabilize Warri Federal Constituency over a controversial INEC ward delineation.The operation unfolded after the DSS intercepted the major in Lagos as he attempted to flee to the UK, while his accomplices were nabbed in Asaba. The arms, linked to opposition against INEC’s recent ward mapping—ordered by a 2022 Supreme Court ruling—could have unleashed bloodshed in a region already scarred by ethnic tensions. The IYN called for a thorough probe, urging the British High Commission to investigate the major’s actions, which they say tarnish the UK military’s reputation. A coalition of civil society groups echoed this demand, labeling the major’s involvement a threat to Nigeria’s security in a letter dated April 28, 2025.
What This Means for Nigerians
This bust is a wake-up call for everyday Nigerians, especially in Warri, where ethnic clashes have left deep wounds. The DSS stopped a potential bloodbath, but the involvement of a high-ranking foreign officer raises red flags about external meddling. For locals, it’s a reminder to stay vigilant—dialogue, not violence, is the way forward.
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