The Delta State Police Command has announced major operational successes in 2025, including the recovery of 144 firearms, 6,930 rounds of ammunition, and the arrest of 627 suspects across the state, as part of its ongoing fight against crime.
Speaking during a press briefing in Asaba on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda said the achievements were the result of proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing strategies adopted by the Command in collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders.
Among the major breakthroughs highlighted was the arrest of two prime suspects in the murder of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd), who was killed at her residence on November 24, 2025.
Abaniwonda disclosed that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested the suspects following credible intelligence, with one of the deceased’s stolen mobile phones recovered. Investigations to apprehend other fleeing accomplices are ongoing.
The Commissioner also revealed that operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle in the Obiaruku forest on December 1, 2025, leading to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms. Several other suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries.
In another operation, police arrested a 67-year-old suspected armed robber in Abraka, recovering two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges.
Similarly, coordinated raids across Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele led to the arrest of suspected armed robbers and cultists, with the recovery of locally made firearms, ammunition and stolen tricycles.
Abaniwonda further disclosed that the Command intensified its crackdown on illicit drug activities, arresting 161 suspects during a raid on a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, where large quantities of hard drugs were recovered. Additional arrests were made along the Asaba-Onitsha corridor, with codeine and tramadol seized.
Providing a cumulative breakdown, the Commissioner said the Command recovered 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single-barrel and locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns, alongside ₦36 million ransom.
Arrests made include 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 cultists, and 62 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases, while 18 kidnapped victims were rescued and 28 vehicles recovered.
The commissioner commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and professionalism, while appreciating the media, traditional rulers and community leaders for their support.
He urged residents to remain vigilant during the festive season and continue to provide credible information, assuring that the Delta State Police Command remains fully prepared to ensure a safe and peaceful Yuletide.
