Ozobo Calls On DSS, IGP, Army Chiefs to Immediately Arrest Alex Eyengho Over Alleged Firearms Stockpiling, Trafficking in Itsekiri Land

By Osaro Michael, Benin

Prominent Niger Delta rights activist and President of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, Ozobo Austin, has called on security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute one Alex Eyengho spokesperson of the Itsekiris in recent press conference, accusing him of trafficking and stockpiling illegal firearms in Itsekiri communities in Delta State.

Ozobo, in a statement issued on Wednesday, alleged that Eyengho is orchestrating the movement and storage of illicit weapons in the area as part of a plot to destabilize the fragile peace currently existing in Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region. This call was followed by a statement made by Mr Alex Eyengho during the Itsekiris press briefing over the Warri federal constituency delineation final report.

It was gathered that Eyengho while speaking at the press conference admitted that Itsekiri had enough weapons to fight the Ijaws and Urhobos in the Warri federal constituency, a statement that had sparked serious reactions on the media space.

“The intelligence available to us indicates that Alex Eyengho is actively involved in trafficking and stockpiling illegal arms and ammunition within Itsekiri communities based on his confessional statement, “Tools He Dey,” Ozobo said. “This is not a random act of criminality. It is a calculated move orchestrated to alter the existing peace, create tension, and return the Niger Delta to the days of violent conflict.”

According to the activist, the alleged stockpiling of weapons is being aimed at arming select groups to intimidate Ijaw, Urhobo and political opponents ahead of future political contests. He warned that such actions, if unchecked, could trigger reprisals and escalate into full-blown communal clashes.

Ozobo urged the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and the military to act swiftly and launch a full investigation into the self-confession and admission of stockpiled firearms. He stressed that the security of lives and property in the Niger Delta must not be sacrificed for the selfish interests of individuals.

“We are calling on the DSS, the police, and all relevant security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, arrest Alex Eyengho, search all locations suspected to be used for storing these illegal weapons, and prosecute him and others involved in accordance with the Firearms Act and other relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he demanded.

“Peace in the Niger Delta is hard-earned and must be protected by all. Anyone attempting to jeopardize that peace for personal or political gain must be held accountable,” Ozobo added.

However, the security analysts note that the proliferation of small arms has remained a major challenge in the Niger Delta, with repeated warnings from civil society groups about the link between arms stockpiling and resurgence of militancy.

He further stressed that all individuals involved in the proliferation of illegal arms should be arrested to stop the planned genocide in the Warri federal constituency. He said the region had suffered enough from past conflicts and could not afford a return to violence.

The call comes at a time when stakeholders across the region are pushing for sustained peacebuilding efforts, economic development, and dialogue to address grievances in oil-producing communities.

Ozobo maintained that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or community standing, should be allowed to undermine regional stability. He vowed to continue monitoring the situation and provide relevant information to law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Efforts to reach Alex Eyengho for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.