The Delta State Police Command has arrested 77 suspects involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, gun running, and other violent crimes across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters, Asaba, on Wednesday. He said the Command recovered 13 firearms, 591 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, three stolen vehicles, and a total ransom sum of ₦4,100,000. He added that five kidnapped victims were also rescued unhurt in separate operations.
Describing the series of breakthroughs as “a testament to the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid Delta State of violent crime and restore public confidence in the security architecture,” the Commissioner reaffirmed his determination to sustain the momentum.
“Our resolve remains firm. We will not allow criminal elements to destabilize the peace and progress of Delta State. Through intelligence-led policing, synergy with communities, and the bravery of our officers, we continue to dismantle criminal networks one after the other,” CP Abaniwonda stated.
Providing details of the operations, the Police Commissioner said that on November 1, 2025, armed hoodlums abducted a woman at Obinomba community. Acting swiftly on intelligence, operatives of Obiaruku Division, in collaboration with local vigilantes, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout on November 2. A gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of one suspect, recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 12 live rounds, and the rescue of the female victim unhurt.
He further disclosed that acting on credible intelligence from the Force Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), Abuja, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested a notorious arms dealer, Ahmed Ibrahim (31), in Warri. The operation led to the recovery of 115 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 220 rounds of SMG ammunition, and 32 live cartridges.
“Investigation revealed that the suspect supplied weapons to bandit groups and was linked to previous kidnapping and murder cases,” the Commissioner stated.
According to him, following the kidnap of two persons in Asaba, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad tracked the suspects to Ihiala and Nnewi in Anambra State, leading to the arrest of three suspects and recovery of ₦4,100,000 ransom.
“Police operatives across Ughelli, Warri, Bomadi, and Ekpan Divisions also arrested several kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism suspects. Notably, in Ubeji community, seven suspects were arrested, and three kidnapped victims rescued,” Abaniwonda added.
He continued: “Separate operations by the Rapid Response Squad and Crack Squad led to the arrest of suspected gunrunners and drug dealers, with the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and quantities of controlled substances including codeine, tramadol, and cannabis.”
Reiterating the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and community partnership, Abaniwonda assured residents of Delta State that the police would sustain its offensive against criminality.
“We will continue to leverage intelligence sharing, technology, and collaboration with sister security agencies and community vigilantes to ensure Delta State remains hostile to criminals and safe for law-abiding residents,” he said.
The Commissioner commended the resilience of police officers and the cooperation of residents whose timely information contributed to the success of the operations.
He urged Deltans to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police formation, assuring that all arrested suspects would be diligently prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
