DSS arrests armed dealer, intercepts sophisticated weapons in Delta

The Department of State Services, DSS, in Delta State has intercepted a cache of sophisticated weapons in Asaba, the state capital. The operation, which took place on October 12, 2025, within the Asaba metropolis, led to 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.

The Deputy Director of Operations of the Delta State Command of the DSS, Mr Anthony Ifemeje, while briefing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Monday in Asaba, revealed 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 Geidam, Yobe State.

Ifemeje disclosed that “during interrogation, the prime suspect confessed to garnering eight years in the illegal trade and to having supplied over 55 weapons, including general purpose machine guns and AK-47 rifles, across the country.” He assured the government of the command’s continued vigilance and determination to cut off arms supply routes and dismantle criminal networks operating in Delta.

Items recovered included seven general purpose machine guns, several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades, and other military-grade weapons, some concealed in bags of beans transported from the North to the Oko Food Market along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway. The DSS also uncovered 497 cartons of fake drugs intended for distribution within the state.

In his reaction, Governor Oborevwori ordered a comprehensive crackdown on criminal networks following the interception. The governor, who gave the directive, commended the agency for what he described as a major breakthrough in the state’s sustained fight against insecurity. He praised the DSS and other security agencies for their “strategic intelligence, coordination, and determination,” which led to the recovery of the arms, adding that the success reflected Delta State’s strong commitment to peace and public safety.

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

“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,” he stressed, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies to keep the state safe.

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

“Those who are planning to cause crises 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,” he cautioned.

Oborevwori also warned that anyone involved in killings, violence, or arms smuggling would be tracked down and prosecuted. He stressed that Delta State remained a peaceful and investor-friendly state and vowed to resist any attempt to destabilise it. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and ensuring that no individual or group “takes law into their own hands”, emphasising Delta’s focus on unity, development and security.