…. Says It Must Not be Swept Under the Carpet
The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide has called on President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the recent arms trafficking incident in Delta State, warning that the matter must not be swept under the carpet.
During a press briefing held in Warri on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Council, Amb. Binebai Princewill expressed deep concern over the discovery of a large cache of illegal arms by the Department of State Services near Asaba on April 25.
The operation reportedly led to the seizure of 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
The group emphasised the gravity of the situation, especially following the arrest of a British Army officer and his accomplices.
The officer was reportedly intercepted in Lagos as he attempted to leave Nigeria for the United Kingdom.
The British High Commission had issued a statement on Wednesday clarifying that the individual identified in connection with the case is not an active member of the UK military.
Commending the DSS and other security agencies for their swift action, the IYC stated that the thwarted operation was an apparent attempt to destabilise Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, Princewill called for strong collaboration between Nigerian authorities and the British High Commission to uncover the full extent of the alleged plot and bring all perpetrators to justice, regardless of their status.
The IYC also demanded that the names of all individuals implicated be made public, cautioning against any attempts to shield those involved.
“However, we are using this medium to call on President Bola Tinubu, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, all security agencies, and the British High Commission in Nigeria to collaborate by thoroughly in investigating this issue with a view to bringing all those involved, no matter how highly placed they might be, to face the full wrath of the law.
“Names of all those linked to this intended crime against humanity should be published in national dailies and television stations.
“We will not allow this matter to be swept under the carpet because the guns and ammunition were intended to attack the law-abiding, peaceful, and sacrificial Ijaw people in Delta State,” Princewill stated.
Highlighting the peaceful disposition of the Ijaw people, the group warned against using past political grievances, such as the Warri Federal Constituency delineation dispute, as a pretext for violence in the region.
The IYC urged President Tinubu and national security leaders to remain resolute in ensuring justice is served, warning that the Ijaw nation is closely monitoring developments.
“It is important to note that the Ijaws have always toed the path of peace and have been accommodative to our neighbours. Let it be known that no one has the monopoly of violence as we have always chosen peace, the many years of fraud that was corrected by the Supreme Court judgment and INEC in Warri Federal Constituency wards and polling units delineation should not be a yardstick for people to cause insecurity in Delta State.
“Finally, it is important to let the sleeping dogs lie. President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies must not allow this gun smuggling crime to be swept under the carpet as the Ijaw people are keenly following and watching. All those involved must be punished,” he concluded.
