15 December 2025
SUNTV Global Channel | Asaba
The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against violent crime, announcing the arrest of 627 criminal suspects, the recovery of 144 firearms, 6,930 rounds of ammunition, and the seizure of ₦36 million ransom between January 2025 and date.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Command headquarters in Asaba, where he outlined what he described as the Command’s “operational achievements” amid growing public concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.
According to the police boss, the successes were achieved through proactive, intelligence‑driven and community‑based policing, coupled with sustained raids, surveillance operations and stop‑and‑search exercises across Delta State.
Breakdown of Arrests
CP Olufemi revealed that the arrests cut across major crime categories threatening public safety. A detailed breakdown shows that within the period under review, the police arrested:
- 140 suspected armed robbers
- 113 suspected kidnappers
- 125 murder suspects
- 187 suspected cultists
- 62 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases
He added that the Command also rescued 18 kidnapped victims and recovered 28 stolen vehicles from criminal syndicates operating within the state.
Arms and Ammunition Recovery
The Commissioner further disclosed that aggressive operations against criminal hideouts led to the recovery of a significant cache of illegal weapons, including:
- 27 AK‑47 and AK‑49 rifles
- 25 Beretta pistols
- 36 pump‑action guns
- 56 single‑barrel and locally fabricated cut‑to‑size guns
In total, the Command recovered 144 firearms and 6,930 rounds of live ammunition and cartridges, a development CP Olufemi said has “significantly degraded the firepower of criminal gangs” in Delta State.
High‑Profile Murder Case
Among the notable cases highlighted was the arrest of two prime suspects in the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was killed in her residence on November 24, 2025.
Police investigations revealed that one of the suspects, identified as the late judge’s security guard, allegedly confessed to inviting accomplices into the house. The suspects reportedly tied up the retired jurist before murdering her and making away with her valuables.
CP Olufemi disclosed that one of the stolen mobile phones belonging to the deceased was later recovered from a market in Asaba, strengthening the case against the suspects.
Kidnapping Gang Neutralised
In another major operation, the police confirmed that a suspected kidnapper was neutralised during a fierce gun battle with operatives in the Obiaruku forest.
Recovered from the scene were an AK‑47 rifle, 42 rounds of ammunition, charms and mobile phones. Other members of the gang were said to have escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries.
Drug Trafficking Clampdown
The Command also announced a massive crackdown on illicit drug activities across the state. According to CP Olufemi, 161 suspects were arrested in a single raid on a notorious drug den in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.
Items recovered included Canadian Loud, Nigerian Loud, codeine syrup, tramadol and ice (methamphetamine).
In a related operation, police intercepted a commercial bus in Asaba, where officers recovered 109 bottles of codeine syrup and several cartons of tramadol concealed inside the vehicle.
Community Collaboration Key – CP
CP Olufemi attributed the Command’s successes to effective collaboration with vigilante groups, anti‑cult units, community leaders and sister security agencies, stressing that intelligence sharing has remained critical to recent gains.
He assured residents that the Delta State Police Command remains fully prepared to protect lives and property, especially as the festive season approaches.
The Commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies, while reiterating that emergency police contact numbers remain active for distress calls.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor and report developments on security across Delta State and beyond.
