The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained fight against crime, with the arrest of 627 suspects and the recovery of 144 firearms between January 2025 and date.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday in Asaba while briefing journalists on the Command’s achievements for the year. He attributed the gains to proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing, strengthened by collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, community volunteers, traditional rulers and civil society organisations across the state.
According to the police boss, one of the Command’s most notable breakthroughs was the arrest of two prime suspects in connection with the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was killed in her residence on November 24, 2025.
CP Olufemi revealed that a security guard attached to the late jurist’s home, identified as Godwin Mngumi, 25, was arrested on December 6 after being found in possession of one of the victim’s mobile phones. The suspect allegedly confessed to inviting an accomplice, Nnaji Obalum, 21, to participate in the crime, alongside another suspect who is still at large.
Police investigations indicated that the suspects tied the victim before killing her and making away with valuables, some of which have since been recovered. The Commissioner said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect and conclude investigations.
In another major 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. One suspect was neutralised during the encounter, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries. Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and assorted charms.
The Commissioner also announced the arrest of a 67-year-old suspect, Isiakpere Friday, in Abraka by operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT). The operation led to the recovery of two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges. Investigations are ongoing to determine the suspect’s possible links to criminal networks within and outside the state.
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 during coordinated raids, while a locally made shotgun, a fabricated Beretta pistol, ammunition and two stolen tricycles were recovered.
The Command also recorded a major crackdown on drug-related activities. On December 10, police operatives raided a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, arresting 161 suspects—110 males and 51 females—and recovering large quantities of illicit drugs.
In a related operation on December 13, officers intercepted a commercial bus at the Asaba–Onitsha head bridge, where more than 100 bottles of codeine and several cartons of tramadol were seized, leading to the arrest of suspects connected to the consignment.
Providing an overall summary of the Command’s achievements, CP Olufemi said a total of 144 firearms were recovered during the period. These included 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 assorted ammunition.
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He further disclosed that ₦36 million ransom was recovered, 18 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 28 stolen vehicles were recovered across different parts of the state.
The Commissioner added that the 627 suspects arrested comprised 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, bravery and professionalism, while also appreciating the media, community leaders and law-abiding citizens for their support and cooperation.
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 released the Command’s emergency control room numbers—08036684974, 08114895600 and 08025666914—for public use, and wished Deltans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
