*Arrests Two Suspects, Uncovers Fake Drugs
*Oborevwori: Fish Out Aduara’s Killers
OPERATIVES of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Delta State have intercepted a cache of sophisticated weapons, including seven General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades and other military-grade weapons cleverly concealed in bags of beans and allegedly used to terrorise Asaba metropolis and its environs.
The October 12 operation led to the arrest of a notorious arms dealer, Stephen Sabo Atoshi, and his accomplice, a 40-year-old secondary school teacher from Taraba State.
According to the secret Police’s Deputy Director, of Operations, Delta State Command, Anthony Ifemeje, who briefed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on the operation, the suspects were part of a network trafficking small arms and light weapons from Sebha in southern Libya through Chad into Nigeria through an illegal border in Gidam, Yobe State.
Ifemeje told the governor that intelligence-led operation led to the discovery and the arrests, and that on interrogation, Atoshi admitted being in the business for eight years, supplying over 55 weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and AK-47 rifles, across the country.
He listed items recovered to include seven GPMGs, several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades and other military-grade weapons, hidden in bags of beans transported from north to Oko Market, located along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.
Ifemeje explained that the operation also uncovered 497 cartons of fake drugs intended for distribution within the state, but assured the governor of the DSS’s continuous vigilance, promising to cut off arms supply routes and dismantle criminal networks in the state.
Responding, Oborevwori commended the agency for what he described as a major breakthrough in the state’s sustained fight against insecurity and ordered a comprehensive crackdown on criminal networks in the state.
He warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of insecurity or lawlessness, particularly in Warri and its environs, adding: “Those planning to cause crisis should have a rethink: We want peace, not trouble.
“We are working tirelessly to open up Warri for investors and economic growth, but where there is violence, investors will stay away.”
Oborevwori also warned that anyone involved in killings, violence or arms smuggling would be tracked down and prosecuted, stressing that Delta remained a peaceful and investor-friendly state and vowed to resist any attempt to destabilise it.
“Bringing in heavy arms and ammunition of this nature is unacceptable and a direct threat to our collective peace. We will not allow it under any circumstance.”
Oborevwori charged security agencies in the state to arrest those responsible for the killing of Jerry Aduara, a two-time chairman of the Odion Urhobo Youth Council.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peace, Oborevwori stressed that no individual or group would be allowed to take the law into their own hands, sayiing the government was focused on unity, development and security.
He stated: “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.”
