The Delta State Police Command has recorded major successes in its sustained fight against crime, arresting no fewer than 627 suspects and recovering 144 firearms between January 2025 and date.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday in Asaba while briefing journalists on the Command’s operational achievements for the year. He attributed the successes to proactive, intelligence-led and community-based policing, strengthened by collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, community volunteers, traditional rulers and civil society organisations.
CP Olufemi said one of the Command’s notable breakthroughs was the arrest of two prime suspects in connection with the murder of a retired jurist, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was killed in her residence on November 24, 2025. He disclosed that a security guard attached to the residence, Godwin Mngumi, 25, was arrested on December 6 after he was found in possession of one of the deceased’s mobile phones.
According to him, the suspect allegedly confessed to inviting an accomplice, Nnaji Obalum, 21, to participate in the crime alongside another suspect who is currently at large. The suspects reportedly tied the victim before killing her and making away with valuables, some of which have since been recovered, while investigation continues.
In another operation, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit, working with community volunteers, engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel at the Obiaruku forest on December 1, resulting in the death of one suspect. An AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms were recovered, while other suspects escaped with gunshot injuries.
The police boss also announced the arrest of a 67-year-old suspect, Isiakpere Friday, in Abraka by operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team. Two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges were recovered during the operation, with investigations ongoing to establish possible links to criminal networks.
Similarly, between November 28 and 29, operatives of the CP-SAT dismantled an armed robbery and cult gang operating across Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele. Three suspects were arrested, while a locally made shotgun, a fabricated Beretta pistol, ammunition and two stolen tricycles were recovered.
On the fight against drug-related crimes, CP Olufemi said operatives raided a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, on December 10, arresting 161 suspects comprising 110 males and 51 females, and recovering large quantities of illicit drugs. Another operation on December 13 led to the interception of a bus at the Asaba–Onitsha head bridge, where over 100 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol were seized, with suspects arrested.
Providing a breakdown of the Command’s overall achievements, the Commissioner said 144 firearms were recovered, including 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single-barrel and locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns, alongside 6,930 rounds of ammunition.
He added that ₦36 million ransom was recovered, 18 kidnapped victims rescued and 28 vehicles recovered during the period under review.
According to him, the 627 suspects arrested include 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected cultists and 62 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases.
CP Olufemi commended officers and men of the Delta State Police Command for their dedication and professionalism, while appreciating the media, community leaders and law-abiding citizens for their cooperation and support.
As the festive season approaches, he urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, assuring that the Command is fully prepared to ensure a safe, peaceful and secure Yuletide across the state.
He also released the emergency control room numbers—08036684974, 08114895600 and 08025666914—for public use, and wished Deltans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.