DSS Arrests Arms Dealer, Intercepts Cache of Machine Guns, AK-47s in Asaba

The Department of State Services (DSS) in Delta State has reported a significant victory against arms trafficking networks, confirming the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons in an operation that took place on October 12, 2025, within the Asaba metropolis. The intelligence-led raid resulted in the capture of a notorious arms dealer, identified as Stephen Sabo Atoshi, and his 40-year-old accomplice, who is a secondary school teacher from Taraba State.

Dependable NG reports that the Deputy Director of Operations for the Delta State DSS Command, Mr. Anthony Ifemeje, briefed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on the details of the operation on Monday in Asaba. Ifemeje revealed that the suspects are part of an international network engaged in trafficking small arms and light weapons from Sebha in southern Libya, through Chad, and into Nigeria via an illegal border crossing in Geidam, Yobe State. The prime suspect, during interrogation, confessed to having been involved in the illegal trade for eight years and to having supplied over 55 weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and AK-47 rifles, across the country.

The recovered items from the operation are highly military-grade and included seven General Purpose Machine Guns, several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades, and other sophisticated weaponry. These arms were cleverly concealed in bags of beans being transported from the North to the Oko Food Market along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway. The operation also led to the discovery of 497 cartons of fake drugs intended for distribution within the state.

In response to the major security breakthrough, Governor Oborevwori commended the DSS and other security agencies for their “strategic intelligence, coordination, and determination” and ordered a comprehensive crackdown on all criminal networks in the state. The Governor warned that his administration would not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the state, especially 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, appealing to residents to cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and make the state attractive for investors. He vowed that anyone involved in arms smuggling, killings, or violence would be relentlessly tracked down and prosecuted.