The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its fight against crime between January 2025 and date, with the arrest of 627 suspects, recovery of 144 firearms, and seizure of 6,930 rounds of ammunition across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday in Asaba during a press briefing on the achievements of the command, attributing the gains to proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing, in collaboration with sister security agencies and local stakeholders.
Among the notable breakthroughs highlighted was the arrest of two prime suspects in the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was killed at her residence on November 24, 2025. The police said a security guard attached to the residence, Godwin Mngumi, was arrested on December 6 and found with one of the victim’s mobile phones. Investigations revealed that he allegedly invited accomplices to carry out the crime. One stolen phone has since been recovered, while efforts continue to arrest a third suspect still at large.
The command also reported the death of a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle with operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit in Obiaruku forest on December 1. An AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms were recovered during the operation.
In separate operations, police arrested a 67-year-old suspected armed robber in Abraka, recovering two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges, while 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 two stolen tricycles.
The command also intensified its crackdown on drug-related crimes, arresting 161 suspects during a raid on a notorious drug den in Agbor on December 10, and intercepting a bus in Asaba on December 13 with large consignments of codeine and tramadol.
According to the police, the total arrests recorded within the period include 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected cultists, and 62 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases. The command also recovered ₦36 million in ransom, rescued 18 kidnapped victims, and recovered 28 stolen vehicles.
CP Olufemi reaffirmed the commitment of the Delta State Police Command to ensuring the safety of lives and property, especially during the festive season, and urged residents to remain vigilant and support the police with credible information. He also commended officers, community leaders, and the media for their cooperation and support throughout the year.
