Delta Police Arrest 627 Suspects, Recover 144 Firearms In One Year — CP Abaniwonda

The Delta State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 627 criminal suspects, recovered 144 firearms, and seized 6,930 rounds of ammunition in various operations carried out across the state between January and December 2025.

The Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Asaba, where he presented the Command’s operational achievements for the year.

According to the police boss, the successes recorded were a result of “a proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing strategy” implemented in collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, traditional rulers and other community stakeholders.

“As Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, I consider it my duty to brief the public on our performances and the measures taken to safeguard lives and property in the state,” Abaniwonda said.

The police CP added that operatives arrested 161 suspects during a raid on a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South LGA, on December 10.

“The suspects comprised 110 males and 51 females, and a large quantity of illicit drugs, including Loud, codeine, ice and tramadol, were recovered,” the CP said.

He added that another operation on December 13 led to the recovery of 109 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol from a commercial bus at the Asaba–Onitsha Head Bridge.

The Commissioner disclosed that within the year under review, the Command recorded the arrest of:

“140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected cultists, and 62 suspects for rape and defilement.”

He added that N36m ransom, 28 vehicles, and 18 kidnapped victims were recovered and rescued during various operations.

On the murder of retired judge Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, the Commissioner recalled that the Command arrested two prime suspects over her murder.

He said a security guard attached to the deceased, Godwin Mngumi, 25, was arrested on December 6, after being found in possession of one of the judge’s mobile phones.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect made a voluntary confession and admitted to inviting his accomplice, Nnaji Obalum, male, 21 years old, to perpetrate the crime,” he said.

According to Abaniwonda, the suspects, alongside another accomplice currently at large, tied the retired judge with a rope and cloth before murdering her and stealing her valuables.

“One of the stolen phones has been recovered at Ogbogonogo Market, Asaba, while an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect,” he added.

The Commissioner also disclosed that one suspected kidnapper was killed during a gun battle with police operatives in the Obiaruku forest on December 1.

He said operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit, acting on credible intelligence, were attacked by the suspects, prompting a gun duel.

“One AK-47 rifle with forty-two rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms were recovered, while other suspects escaped with gunshot injuries,” Abaniwonda said.

On December 6, the police said its operatives arrested Isiakpere, Friday, 67, at Umeghe community, Abraka, and recovered two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges from his residence.

Similarly, coordinated operations between November 28 and 29 led to the arrest of Kelvin Oke, Victor Oyaye, identified as a gang leader, and Monday Emakpo for armed robbery and cult-related offences in Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele.

Recovered items included a locally made shotgun, a fabricated Beretta pistol, ammunition and two stolen tricycles.

Abaniwonda assured residents of the Command that it was ready to ensure a peaceful festive season.

“I have directed officers and men of the Command to remain proactive, professional and fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the state,” he said.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines.