The Delta State Police Command has announced
the arrest of 627 suspects in one year .
The suspects cut across various categories, including armed robbers, kidnappers, murder suspects, cultists, and suspects involved in rape and other crimes.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda
Olufemi, revealed this during a press briefing held in Asaba.
He said that within the period under review, the Command adopted a proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-centered policing strategy, working with sister security agencies and community stakeholders (vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, PCRC, CSOs, traditional rulers, etc) to sustain targeted operations against criminal networks.
He said within the year under review, the Command recovered a total of 144 firearms, comprising: 27 AK-47/AK-49 Rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single barrel and locally fabricated short guns, and 36 Pump action guns; In addition, the Command recovered 6,930 rounds of ammunition/cartridges, significantly degrading the operational capacity of :criminal elements.
“Furthermore, the Command recorded the arrest
627 suspects which include: 140 suspected robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers,
125 murder suspects, One Hundred and 187 suspected cultists, 62 suspects arrested for rape and defilement offences, and # 36,000,000
ransom recovered within the period under review.
CP Olufemi outlined a series of impactful arrests and recoveries, demonstrating the command’s proactive and intelligence-driven approach.
He said that notably, two prime suspects in the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu were apprehended.
The suspects confessed to entering her residence, tying her up, and committing the murder, leading to the recovery of one of the stolen phones.
According to the CP:”Following the gruesome murder of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd) which occurred on November 24,2025, at her residence. Acting on credible intelligence, on December 6, 2025, operatives of the Homicide Section, State CID, Asaba, arrested one Godwin Mngumi, 25, who is security guard attached to the residence of the deceased.
“The suspect was found in possession of one of the late Justice’s mobile phones. Upon interrogation, he made a voluntary confession and admitted to inviting his accomplices one Nnaji Obalum, male, 21 years old to perpetrate the crime.
“The suspects confessed that on November 23,2025, they, alongside a third suspect, currently at large, entered the home of the deceased, tied her with a rope and cloth, and murdered her.
“”They thereafter, stole her valuables, including two phones and a wristwatch, which they disposed of for a meagre sum. One of the stolen phones has been recovered in Ogbogonogo market, Asaba. Investigation is ongoing”.
“In another major operation, the Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) killed a suspected kidnapper in Obiaruku forest and recovered an AK-47 rifle with 42 rounds of ammunition, along with other items.
“The command also arrested a suspected armed robber in Abraka, recovering two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges.”
Giving graphic account of the arrests , he said: “On December 1, 2025, at about 2:30 am , operatives of the Command State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), in collaboration with community volunteers, were on intensive patrol, when they received credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were sighted within the Obiaruku forest. Acting swiftly, operatives of SACU stormed the bush where the suspects opened fire from multiple directions in a bid to repel the team.
“The operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the death of one suspect, while others escaped into the forest with various degrees of gunshot injuries. One AK-47 rifle with 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms were recovered”.
The CP also disclosed how the command arrested suspected cultists and armed robbers across Ughelli, Sapele, and Oghara, with firearms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles seized.
He said: “Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) recorded a series of coordinated breakthroughs between November 28 and 29, 2025, in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to armed robbery, and cult-related activities across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele.
“Acting on credible intelligence, around the Ekuigbo axis, the team intercepted one Kelvin Oke, 42 , and recovered a stolen tricycle in his possession. More coordinated operations led to the arrest of two additional suspects:
“Victor Oyaye, 26, identified as the gang leader, and Monday Emakpo, 31, residing in Agbarha, Ughelli. Another stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges were recovered”.
According to him, “On 6th December 2025 at about 0730hrs, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence, executed a successful intelligence-led operation in Abraka.
“The operatives conducted a coordinated search at Umeghe community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday ‘m’, 67 years old. The operation resulted in the recovery of two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges.
“The suspect is in custody, and an investigation is ongoing to determine possible links to cult groups, arms suppliers, and other criminal networks”.
In the fight against hard drug trafficking, he said that the command arrested 161 suspects involved in illicit drug sales in Agbor and intercepted a bus at Asaba Head Bridge, recovering over 6,930 rounds of ammunition, various illicit drugs, and large quantities of Tramadol and codeine.
“On December 10, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led a formidable contingent of policemen drawn from the Buffalo Tactical Teams to Agbor, Ika South LG, Delta State, where they conducted a decisive raid a hideout known for notorious sales and distribution of illicit drugs.
“The intelligence-driven operation resulted in the arrest of 110 males and 51females.
A large quantity of illicit drugs was recovered from the hideout, including: Nigeria Loud, Canadian Loud, CSC Codeine, Ice, sachets of 200mm of Tramadol. Similarly on December 13, 2025, operatives of Bufallo intercepted Asaba-Onitsha bus at the head bridge Asaba, and subjected it to a search during which 109 bottles of codeine, and cartons of tramadol were recovered and the suspects were promptly arrested. Investigation is ongoing”.
The police boss disclosed that the police recovered 144 firearms, including AK-47s, pistols, and locally made guns, alongside thousands of rounds of ammunition.
The command also recovered ₦36 million in ransom money paid during kidnapping incidents.
“In line with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police(IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a safe, peaceful, and crime-free environment across the country, I have directed officers and men of the Delta State Police Command to remain proactive, professional, and fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the State.
He commended the officers’ professionalism and the support of community stakeholders, traditional rulers, and the general public. He urged residents to remain vigilant during the festive season and to report suspicious activities.
As the year closes, the Delta State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state, especially during the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
