An advocacy group under the auspices of Niger Delta Watchmen has written an open letter to the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser, NSA, the Department of Security Services, Nigerians and the international community, expressing fears of possible coverup or moves to bury under carpet, the gun trafficking trial of COLLINS EDEMA, MAJOR MICA POLO AND OTHERS, where the Olu of Warri was accused of aiding and abating.

This was contained in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Kelvin Kevwe, and Workman J. Sylvester
Secretary, which was earlier published in some online media platforms on Sunday.

The group raised serious fears over growing concerns about the increasing collusion and corruption that were enabling criminal elements to thrive within our borders, emphasising that the situation is now critical, with arms smugglers, militia recruiters and political elites working together to destabilize the region, all under the protection of powerful figures within Nigeria’s security agencies.

The open letter also copied, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Directorate of State Security (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force and the International Community.

The Niger Delta advocates further accused DSS officials for allegedly receiving bribes amounting to 5 million USD, noting that the bribes were allegedly exchanged between DSS officials, Lawyers and the chief judge overseeing the case to ensure the release of Major Mica Polo, a known arms dealer, without proper investigation and prosecution, adding that the bribes were allegedly facilitated by Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma, both prominent Itsekiri elites, who had used their political influence to secure the release of arms dealers and militia trainers.

However, the Niger Delta Watchmen had demanded that the Federal Government, the NSA, and the Nigerian Police should take immediate action to investigate the criminal networks of Collins Edema, Fatty and Major Mica Polo and prosecute and proffer jails terms on them, citing that their actions were endangering the stability of the region and their corrupt influence must be eradicated.

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AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, NSA, DSS, NIGERIANS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ON PLOT TO BURY THE GUN TRAFFICKING TRIAL OF COLLINS EDEMA, MAJOR MICA POLO AND OTHERS

Date: July 16, 2025
Sir,

THE DANGEROUS COLLUSION AND IMPUNITY IN ARMS SMUGGLING AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES OF COLLINS EDEMA, MAJOR MICA POLO, OTHERS

We, the Niger Delta Watchmen, write with a heavy heart and growing concern about the increasing collusion and corruption that is enabling criminal elements to thrive within our borders. The situation is now critical, with arms smugglers, militia recruiters and political elites working together to destabilize the region, all under the protection of powerful figures within Nigeria’s security agencies.

THE DANGEROUS COLLUSION WITHIN SECURITY AGENCIES

At the centre of this criminal network is Collins Edema, the Director of AIM for the Olu of Warri, who has allegedly been instrumental in orchestrating arms smuggling and the training of criminal militia. His associates, Fatty and Major Mica Polo, have been training Itsekiri youth in armed combat and military tactics, preparing them for militant insurgency and further destabilization in Warri and beyond.

THE DSS RAID IN EBUZO ASABA AND THE COVER-UP

It was alleged that, in a recent DSS raid on Ebuzo Asaba, Collins Edema’s boys were captured while attempting to smuggle arms. They were found in possession of 57 AK-47 rifles, 6 pump action guns and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition. During their detention, they confessed to the involvement of the Olu of Warri, Collins Edema, Major Mica Polo and Fatty in arms trafficking and militia training. It is crucial to note that when the DSS conducted this raid to capture the supplier of the illicit arms, a gun battle erupted between the DSS and the police, resulting in the tragic death of one policeman.

This is where the Delta State Commissioner of Police must be held accountable. Nigerians deserve to know the full story behind this incident and why it was hidden under the carpet. The Commissioner of Police must come forward and provide a transparent explanation to the Nigerian public. This was not just a simple clash between agencies, it was a cover-up of criminal activities, which must not be swept under the rug.

THE MILITARY INTERVENTION AND PRESSURE FROM POLITICAL ELITES

It has also come to light that after Collins Edema’s boys were arrested during the DSS raid, a top military officer intervened and ordered their release through the Director of DSS. This release was directly influenced by Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma, who used their political connections and power to pressure the military into freeing these individuals, despite their direct involvement in arms smuggling and militia training. The law is explicit, the crime of gun trafficking or smuggling is not a bailable offense in Nigeria Context. It is an act of terrorism and such offenders are expected to serve jail terms. This act of political interference highlights the extent to which criminal activities are being shielded by powerful figures within the country.

THE ROLE OF POLITICAL ELITES AND THE BRIBERY NETWORK

It is also disturbing to reveal that Major Mica Polo, a notorious arms dealer, was released from custody after DSS officials allegedly received bribes amounting to 5 million USD, bribes was allegedly exchanged between DSS officials, Lawyers and the chief judge overseeing the case to ensure that Major Mica Polo, a known arms dealer, was released without proper investigation and prosecution. This bribe was reportedly facilitated by Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma, both prominent Itsekiri elites, who have used their political influence to secure the release of arms dealers and militia trainers.

This transaction further implicates the DSS, which has been complicit in protecting these criminals, including The Olu of Warri, Collins Edema, Major Mica Polo and Fatty. It is also alleged that one DSS official, who oversees assigning agents to sensitive operations, was directly involved in enabling these illegal activities, all while his family resides abroad.

The ongoing protection of these criminals, under the guise of ethnic loyalty and political maneuvering, threatens to tear apart the fabric of our nation.

THE OLU OF WARRI’S COMPLICITY AND THE IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES

As Collins Edema’s operations continue to spread fear and violence in the Niger Delta, the Olu of Warri and his associates stand accused of not just shielding arms smugglers, but also of stoking ethnic division for personal gain. Fatty, who has been linked to the burning of Odion community over the delineation issue, is yet another example of how these individuals are using violence to suppress peaceful communities and hold onto power.

Major Mica Polo, known for training Itsekiri youth in armed violence and Collins Edema, who oversees the militia’s arms supply, are fueling the unrest in the region, furthering their own political ambitions at the expense of innocent lives.

A SHAMEFUL ATTEMPT TO CIRCUMVENT THE LAW: THE CASE OF AYIRI EMAMI’S BROTHER

It is shameful to witness how our country has descended into a corrupt quagmire. This same network of political elites is now attempting to use their power to secure the release of Ayiri Emami’s younger brother, who was caught with hard drugs and should be held accountable for his actions. The same pattern of bribery, political manipulation and abuse of power is playing out once again, with Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma allegedly pushing for his release from custody using the same corrupt processes they used to free Major Mica Polo.

What is becoming clear is that in Nigeria today, the law means nothing when the powerful few manipulate it for their gain. This is the reality we face, a nation where crime is rewarded and those who uphold the law are crushed by the weight of political power.

A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF POWER

We are calling on the Federal Government to immediately call Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma to order. These influential individuals must be held accountable for their actions and urged to use their political power responsibly and positively. They should not continue to use their influence to facilitate corruption, bribery or the undermining of the law. While the world is watching, it is crucial that Nigerian leaders demonstrate their commitment to good governance, justice and integrity, and refrain from perpetuating practices that harm the country’s stability.

THE CALL FOR JUSTICE AND TRANSPARENCY

We, the Niger Delta Watchmen, demand that the Federal Government, the NSA, and the Nigerian Police take immediate action to investigate the criminal networks of Collins Edema, Fatty and Major Mica Polo. Their actions are endangering the stability of the region and their corrupt influence must be eradicated.

We also call for an independent investigation into the role of the DSS and the Delta State Commissioner of Police in these events, including the cover-up of the gunfire exchange and the bribery that facilitated the release of dangerous criminals.

Furthermore, we demand that the international community take a stand against the corruption and manipulation of power in Nigeria, which has allowed criminal elements to thrive unchecked. The rule of law must prevail and it must not be subverted by the political and economic elites who view the law as a tool for their own benefit.

We are not blind to the dangers these criminals pose. We are not powerless in the face of this corruption. And we will not remain silent while Nigeria is held hostage by bribery, political manipulation, and criminal activity.

Signed,

Kelvin Kevwe
(Chairman)

Workman J. Sylvester
(Secretary)

Niger Delta WatchmenCC

The Federal Government of Nigeria

The National Security Adviser (NSA)

The Directorate of State Security (DSS)

The Nigerian Police Force

The International Community

LATE CHIEF BETHLEHEM INGO,

Bebefiyewei of Grand Iduwini Kingdom,

“A Voice Lost Forever”

It’s been 21 years, yet the name Chief Bethlehem Ingo still echoes with respect and warmth.

We join in remembering a man whose legacy lives on through the voices of those who still say, “He was a good man.”

Iduwini people lost a voice in the demise of the Bebefiyewei that personified Spokesmanship.

Chief Ingo’s memory remains alive in the lives he touched, in the battles he worn, in the legacies he bequited.

🕊️ Rest on, the Great Chief Beth Ingo. You are missed by Odimodi, Iduwini, Ijaw nation — today.. always.

_From all of us at IduwiniVoice_

By Favour Bibaikefie

Abuja, Nigeria – In a commendable display of appreciation, ‘Gen.’ Dennis Kpaidia, leader of the Tantita Odimodi Unit, has lauded the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro (PhD.), for his unwavering commitment to peacebuilding and leadership development in the Niger Delta.

This follows the commencement of a three-day day intensive training programme on Peacebuilding, Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation, organised by the PAP in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.

The training, held in the Federal Capital Territory, brought together selected youth and community leaders from various communities across the Iger Delta. The initiative forms part of the reintegration phase of the Amnesty Programme, aimed at equipping key stakeholders with tools for the effective leadership, dialogue, and nonviolent conflict resolution in order to forestall imminent intercommunity crisis.

Speaking to IduwiniVoice, Kpaidia expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Otuaro over what he described as a “visionary leadership style that prioritizes the growth and peaceful coexistence of the region.”He noted that such training sessions are vital in deepening participants’ understanding of conflict dynamics and in strengthening local structures for sustainable peace.

“This training has opened our eyes to new methods of resolving disputes peacefully and building consensus in our communities. I thank Chief Dr. Otuaro for investing in our future of the Niger Delta youth and for giving us the tolls to lead rightly.” Kaidia State.

The peacebuilding programme is expected to continue over the next two days, with sessions facilitated by security and conflict resolution experts, mediators, and development professionals from both civil and military backgrounds.

As the region continues its journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development, initiatives like this stand out as evidence of the evolving impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship.