Oborevwori orders crackdown on criminal networks, vows justice for slain Warri youth leader

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has ordered a full-scale crackdown on criminal networks following the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba.

The governor, who gave the directive on Monday during a visit to the DSS Command in Asaba, described the recovery as a major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing fight against insecurity. “I am very delighted to be here today. The breakthrough recorded by our security agencies is highly commendable and significant to the peace and safety of our state,” Oborevwori said.

He commended the DSS and other security agencies for their “strategic intelligence, coordination, and determination,” which led to the discovery of the arms, adding that it reflected Delta’s commitment to peace and public safety.

Warning against lawlessness, especially in Warri and its environs, the governor said his administration would not tolerate acts of violence that threaten stability and investment. “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, but where there is violence, investors will stay away,” he cautioned.

Oborevwori vowed that anyone involved in killings, violence, or arms smuggling would be tracked down and prosecuted. “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 circumstances,” he stressed.

Speaking on the killing of Jerry Aduara, an indigene of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and former chairman of the Odion Urhobo Youth Council, the governor directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible. “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 warned.

Earlier, the Deputy Director of Operations of the DSS, Delta State Command, Mr. Anthony Ifemeje, briefed the governor on the intelligence-led operation that led to the arrests. He said the suspects, identified as Stephen Sabo Atoshi and a 40-year-old teacher from Taraba State, were part of a network smuggling weapons from Libya through Chad into Nigeria.

According to Ifemeje, the prime suspect confessed to eight years in the illegal arms trade and to having supplied over 55 weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and AK-47 rifles, across the country.

Recovered items included seven GPMGs, several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades, and other military-grade weapons concealed in bags of beans, as well as 497 cartons of fake drugs intended for distribution in the state.