ASABA — Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has ordered an intensive crackdown on criminal networks across the state following the interception of a large cache of sophisticated weapons by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba.
The governor, who visited the Delta State Command of the DSS on Monday, described the interception as a major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
“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.
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 showed Delta’s strong commitment to peace and public safety.
The governor warned that his administration would not tolerate violence, killings, or lawlessness, especially in Warri and its environs, which he described as vital to the state’s economic revival.
“Those who are 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,” he cautioned.
Oborevwori stressed that anyone involved in arms smuggling, killings, or criminal activities would be tracked down and prosecuted, vowing that Delta would not allow its peace to be disrupted.
“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 declared, urging residents to support security agencies by providing useful information.
On the recent killing of Jerry Aduara, a prominent youth leader from Okere-Urhobo Kingdom in Warri South Local Government Area, the governor ordered security agencies to arrest the killer and his sponsors.
“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,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and unity, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to “take the law into their own hands.”
Earlier, Mr. Anthony Ifemeje, Deputy Director of Operations of the DSS, Delta State Command, briefed the governor on the details of the intelligence-led operation that led to the arrests.
According to him, the operation took place on October 12, 2025, within the Asaba metropolis, resulting in the capture of a notorious arms dealer, Stephen Sabo Atoshi, and his accomplice, a 40-year-old secondary school teacher from Taraba State.
Ifemeje revealed that the suspects were part of a smuggling network trafficking small arms and light weapons from Sebha in southern Libya, through Chad, and into Nigeria via an illegal border in Gidam, Yobe State.
“During interrogation, the prime suspect confessed to having been in the illegal arms trade for eight years and to supplying over 55 weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and AK-47 rifles, across the country,” Ifemeje disclosed.
Items recovered during the raid included seven GPMGs, several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades, and other military-grade weapons, many of which were hidden in bags of beans transported from the North to the Oko Food Market along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.
The DSS also seized 497 cartons of fake drugs meant for distribution within Delta State.
Ifemeje assured the governor that the command would remain vigilant and proactive in cutting off arms supply routes and dismantling criminal syndicates threatening the state’s peace.
Governor Oborevwori thanked the security agencies for their vigilance and reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to support intelligence operations aimed at protecting lives and property.
“Delta State is peaceful, and we intend to keep it that way,” he said. “We will continue to support our security agencies to ensure criminals have no hiding place.”
