The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its fight against crime between January 2025 and the date, including the recovery of 144 firearms, 6,930 rounds of ammunition, and the arrest of 627 suspects across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Asaba, where he outlined the Command’s achievements under a proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing strategy, implemented in collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders.
According to the Commissioner, one of the major breakthroughs was the arrest of two prime suspects linked to the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was killed at her residence on November 24, 2025. CP Abaniwonda said operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested the deceased’s security guard, who allegedly confessed to the crime and implicated an accomplice, while investigations to apprehend a third suspect are ongoing.
In another operation, a suspected kidnapper was killed during a gun battle with operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit in Obiaruku forest on December 1, 2025. An AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, mobile phones and charms were recovered during the operation.
The Command also arrested a suspected armed robber in Abraka on December 6, recovering two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges. Similarly, coordinated operations in Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele between November 28 and 29 led to the arrest of suspected armed robbers and cultists, with the recovery of locally made firearms, ammunition and two stolen tricycles.
CP Abaniwonda further disclosed that a major crackdown on drug activities resulted in the arrest of 161 suspects during a raid on a notorious drug hideout in Agbor on December 10. Large quantities of illicit substances, including codeine and tramadol, were recovered. Additional arrests and seizures were made on December 13 following the interception of a commercial bus in Asaba.
Providing a summary of the Command’s achievements, the Commissioner said a total of 144 firearms were recovered in 2025, comprising 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single-barreled and locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns. The Command also recovered ₦36 million in ransom payments, rescued 18 kidnapped victims and recovered 28 stolen vehicles.
A breakdown of arrests showed 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected cultists and 62 suspects linked to rape and defilement offences.
CP Abaniwonda commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and professionalism, while also appreciating the media, traditional rulers and community leaders for their support and cooperation. He assured residents that the Command remains fully prepared to ensure a safe and secure Yuletide season.
Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and support the Police with credible information. The Delta State Police Command’s emergency control room numbers are 08036684974, 08114895600 and 08025666914.
