DSS Commended Over Arms Interception in Delta, Urged to Intensify Crackdown on Criminal Networks in Sapele and Environs

By Endurance Ikanone

Residents of Sapele have lauded the Department of State Services (DSS) for its recent successful operation that led to the interception of a large cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition in Asaba, describing it as a significant boost to Delta State’s ongoing war against insecurity.

The commendation followed reports that the DSS, through an intelligence-led operation, arrested a notorious arms dealer and his accomplice involved in the trafficking of heavy weapons across the country. The discovery, which included General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), AK-47 rifles, and hand grenades concealed in bags of beans, has been widely praised by citizens as a bold step toward dismantling criminal networks threatening public safety.

Speaking to newsmen in Sapele, some residents—who pleaded anonymity for security reasons—commended the DSS for the breakthrough and called for similar intelligence operations to be extended to Sapele and its environs. They emphasized that such proactive measures would help uncover and dismantle possible arms routes or criminal hideouts within the area.

The residents further commended DSS personnel currently stationed in Sapele and surrounding communities for their efforts in keeping the town relatively safe. However, they stressed that more work still needs to be done, particularly in monitoring suspicious activities and identifying individuals who may be aiding or harboring criminals.

According to them, the recent interception in Asaba should serve as a wake-up call for security agencies to intensify surveillance operations in Sapele and neighboring towns, to ensure that no illegal arms syndicate operates within the region.

They also urged the DSS and other security agencies to go after individuals who intimidate or oppress law-abiding citizens, noting that such acts are capable of igniting communal tensions and posing national security threats. “There are people who believe they are above the law. The government must act fast before things escalate into a bigger problem,” one resident noted.

The residents equally applauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his prompt directive to security agencies to intensify their operations across Delta State and ensure that perpetrators of violence or arms smuggling are brought to justice.

They appealed for stronger collaboration among the DSS, police, and other security outfits in intelligence sharing and surveillance to safeguard lives and property, emphasizing that the peace and stability of Delta State are vital for sustained economic growth and investor confidence.

The residents reaffirmed their readiness to support security agencies through timely information sharing, stressing that “security is everyone’s business” and that lasting peace can only be achieved when justice prevails and the law is applied equally to all.