•••Spread tentacles to Anambra State, recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, Ammunition

•••As British Army officers, others arrested by DSS over alleged smuggling of weapons to Delta

By Matthias Ogbagah

DELTA – Determined to deal ruthlessly with kidnappers in Delta State, the Operatives of CP-Special Assignment team led by its commander, ASP Julius Robinson has stormed Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra state acting on intelligence gathered to the kidnapping activities in Ubuluku, isseluku, issele-Asagba, and environs all in Delta State by one Bellow Abubakar and his gang members.

According to a press release by the Delta State police command, Police Public Relations Officer SP Edafe Bright disclosed that after a thorough comb of the forest, the operatives recovered one Ak-47 rifle and one hundred and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition.

Operatives of CP-SAT stormed another hideout of the kidnappers in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, where the kingpin of the kidnappers, Bellow Abubakar, and his gang members were waiting in Ambush.

According to the press release, the suspected kidnappers attacked the policemen in a fierce gun battle but the team who were aware of the battle ahead reciprocated in like manner. The suspects could not withstand the firepower of the operatives, as they ran in different directions with various degrees of bullet injuries.

Five of the suspects, including the kingpin, Mr.Bellow Abubakar, who could not escape due to the severity of their injuries, were taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead. Two additional AK-47 rifles and eighteen (18) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered in the forest.

A manhunt for other injured fleeing suspects is ongoing.
In a similar development, the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested a Major in the British Army (name withheld) and his accomplices in connection with the smuggling of over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action, Shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition into the Delta State.

It was gathered that the suspects were picked up in Lagos and Asaba, Delta State Capital.

The Rainbow Newspaper source, The Nation Newspapers gathered that the British Army Officer, who is of Itsekiri descent, allegedly procured the weapons at the behest of one Collins.

Multiple sources in the agency confirmed that the prime suspect, a Major in the British Army, and several of his associates connected with the illegal arms supply have been detained.

The British Army Officer was reportedly intercepted in Lagos as he attempted to cross Nigeria’s border en route to the United Kingdom, while his associates were apprehended in Asaba.

A source said: ‘’An Itsekiri serving in the British Army is alleged to have procured weapons and ammunition at the behest of one Collins to instigate unrest in Warri.
“During a covert exchange near Asaba in Delta State, operatives from the DSS Delta Command apprehended the arms supplier and several associates, seizing over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition.

‘’Shortly thereafter, DSS agents in Lagos intercepted the British Major as he tried to cross Nigeria’s border en route to the United Kingdom.

“All suspects are now in DSS custody. The DSS will carry out a full and transparent investigation and hold anyone found plotting tribal conflicts to account.’’
Rainbow Newspaper’s source gathered that a traditional ruler is also being discreetly investigated in connection with the matter.