The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and gun running across the state, arresting dozens of suspects and recovering weapons, ammunition and ransom money.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, made this known while addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters, Asaba, on Wednesday, where he presented the Command’s operational scorecard for October through early November 2025.
According to the Commissioner, police operations during the period led to the recovery of 13 firearms, 591 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, ₦4.1 million ransom, three stolen vehicles, and the arrest of 77 suspects, while five kidnap victims were rescued unhurt.
Swift Response Foils Kidnap, One Suspect Killed
On November 1, 2025, police in Obiaruku Division, working with local vigilantes, rescued a kidnapped woman in Obinomba community. The team stormed a forest hideout where a fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of one suspect. Officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 12 rounds of live ammunition, while the rescued victim was reunited with her family.
Arms Dealer on Police Watchlist Arrested in Warri
In a major sting operation, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested a notorious arms peddler, Ahmed Ibrahim (31), in Warri. He was found with a bag containing 115 AK-47 rounds, 220 SMG rounds, and 32 live cartridges.
Investigations revealed that Ibrahim, long on the Command’s watchlist, allegedly supplied weapons to bandit groups in the North and was linked to several kidnapping and robbery cases, including the 2024 abduction and murder of a woman in Ughelli North despite payment of ransom.
₦4.1m Ransom Recovered, Three Kidnap Suspects Nabbed
Acting on intelligence, operatives tracked down a kidnap-for-ransom syndicate that abducted two persons in Asaba. The suspects — Ndianefo Cypre (60), Onwe Sunday (49) and Uzoma Ifeanyi Chukwu — were arrested in Ihiala and Nnewi, Anambra State. The police recovered ₦4.1 million believed to be ransom money.
Arms, Ammunition and Drug Seizures Across the State
In Bomadi, a joint patrol with vigilantes intercepted a motorcycle rider conveying a 62-year-old woman, Charter Timide, with 178 live cartridges concealed in a sack.
At the Asaba-Benin Expressway, Rapid Response Squad operatives arrested Mordi Emmanuel (45) and recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol, a pump-action shotgun, and live ammunition.
Meanwhile, Crack Squad operatives raided a drug den in Effurun GRA, arresting two suspects and recovering large quantities of codeine, tramadol, bargadine, rophynol, and cannabis.
Cultists, Robbers and Gunrunners Rounded Up
Police in Oleh arrested suspected Eiye cult members and recovered two locally made guns and six cartridges, while patrol teams in Warri recovered a cut-to-size double-barrel gun, battle axe, and cartridges from a gang believed to be behind recent cult clashes.
In other raids, armed robbers and kidnappers were apprehended in Ibusa, Sapele, and Ughelli, with the recovery of more firearms, ammunition, and stolen items.
Delta Police Renew Commitment to Public Safety
Summarizing the achievements, CP Abaniwonda expressed satisfaction with the Command’s operational results and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public safety across Delta State.
“We are determined to make Delta uncomfortable for criminals and secure for law-abiding citizens,” he stated.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or via the control room number 08036684974.
Summary of Key Results:
- Firearms recovered — 13
- Ammunition/cartridges recovered — 591
- Suspects arrested — 77
- Kidnap victims rescued — 5
- Vehicles recovered — 3
- Ransom recovered — ₦4,100,000
