By Olayemi Esan
The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in 2025, including the recovery of 144 firearms, 6,930 rounds of ammunition, and the arrest of 627 criminal suspects across the state.
Briefing journalists in Asaba on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, said the achievements were recorded between January 2025 and date through proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-centred policing strategies, in collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders.
A major breakthrough highlighted by the Commissioner 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. CP Olufemi disclosed that a security guard attached to the residence, Godwin Mngumi (25), was arrested on December 6, 2025, in possession of one of the deceased’s mobile phones.
The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and implicated an accomplice, Nnaji Obalum (21), while a third suspect remains at large. One of the stolen phones has since been recovered at Ogbogonogo Market, Asaba, as investigations continue.
In another operation, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle in Obiaruku forest on December 1, 2025. One AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms were recovered, while other suspects escaped with gunshot injuries.
The Command also recorded multiple arrests linked to armed robbery and cult-related activities. On December 6, 2025, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested a 67-year-old suspect in Abraka and recovered two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges. Similarly, coordinated operations between November 28 and 29, 2025, across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a locally made shotgun, a fabricated Beretta pistol, ammunition, and two stolen tricycles.
CP Olufemi further disclosed a major crackdown on drug trafficking, with 161 suspects arrested during a raid on a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, on December 10, 2025. Recovered items included large quantities of “loud,” codeine, ice, and tramadol. Another interception on December 13, 2025, at the Asaba-Onitsha Head Bridge led to the recovery of 109 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol.
Summarising the Command’s achievements, the Commissioner stated that a total of 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. The Command also recovered ₦36 million in ransom, rescued 18 kidnapped victims, and recovered 28 vehicles.
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 Command for their dedication and professionalism, while also appreciating the media, traditional rulers, and law-abiding citizens for their cooperation. He assured residents that the Command remains fully prepared to ensure a safe and secure Yuletide and festive season.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support the Police with credible information, providing the Command’s emergency control room numbers as: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.
The Commissioner concluded by wishing all Deltans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.
