DSS intercepts arms cache, arrests 2 suspects in Delta

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons and the arrest of two suspects in connection with the items in Delta State. The Deputy Director of Operations of the DSS, Delta State Command, Mr. Anthony Ifemeje, disclosed this when the command visited the Delta State Governor, Sheriff […]

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons and the arrest of two suspects in connection with the items in Delta State.

The Deputy Director of Operations of the DSS, Delta State Command, Mr. Anthony Ifemeje, disclosed this when the command visited the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, in his office.

He said the operation, which took place within the Asaba metropolis, resulted in the arrest of a notorious arms dealer, identified as Stephen Sabo Atoshi, and his accomplice, a 40-year-old secondary school teacher from Taraba State.

Ifemeje alleged that the suspects were part of a network trafficking small arms and light weapons from Sebha in southern Libya, through Chad, into Nigeria via an illegal border in Gidam, Yobe State.

• Man remanded over alleged murder in Ekiti
• The National Assembly, the Nation-State and the “National Question” (II)

He said during interrogation, the prime suspect confessed to having been on the illegal trade for eight years and had supplied over 55 weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and AK-47 rifles, across the country.

He listed the items recovered from the suspects to include seven GPMGs, several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades, and other military-grade weapons concealed in bags of beans transported from the North to the Oko Food Market along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.

The DSS also disclosed that it had uncovered 497 cartons of fake drugs intended for distribution within the state.

On his part, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ordered a crackdown on criminal networks and commended the Service for the breakthrough in the fight against insecurity.

The Governor warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of insecurity or lawlessness, particularly in Warri and its environs.

According to him, anyone involved in killings, violence, or arms smuggling in the state would be tracked down and prosecuted.