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15 Oct 2025, Wed

Oborevwori Orders Crackdown On Criminal Networks, DSS Intercepts Heavy Arms Cache In Delta

By Peter Onyekachukwu

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered a comprehensive crackdown on criminal networks following the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba.

Oborevwori, who gave the directive on Monday during a visit to the Delta State Command of the DSS, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security.

“I am very delighted to be here today. I had to leave another important engagement because the breakthrough recorded by our security agencies is highly commendable and significant to the peace and safety of our state,” the governor said.

He commended the DSS and other security agencies for their strategic intelligence and coordination, noting that their commitment led to the recovery of the arms and reflected Delta’s determination to maintain peace and order.

Oborevwori warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of lawlessness, especially in Warri and its environs, saying: “Those planning to cause crisis should have a rethink. We are opening up Warri for investors and economic growth, but where there is violence, investors will stay away.”

The governor further ordered security agencies to arrest those involved in the recent killing of Jerry Aduara, a former youth leader of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, insisting that the perpetrators and their sponsors would not go unpunished.

“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,” Oborevwori said.

Earlier, the Deputy Director of Operations of the DSS in Delta State, Mr. Anthony Ifemeje, briefed the governor on the intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of a notorious arms dealer, identified as Stephen Sabo Atoshi, and his accomplice, a 40-year-old teacher from Taraba State.

According to him, the suspects, who operate a transnational arms network, were intercepted in Asaba on October 12, 2025, while attempting to smuggle weapons concealed in bags of beans. Items recovered included seven General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades, and 497 cartons of fake drugs.

Ifemeje disclosed that the suspects confessed to trafficking arms from Libya through Chad into Nigeria, adding that they had supplied over 55 weapons to criminal groups across the country. He assured the governor that the command would sustain its vigilance to dismantle arms supply routes and curb insecurity in the state.