The Delta State Police Command has arrested 43 suspects following a crackdown on hoodlums who attempted to disrupt New Year Eve celebrations in parts of Asaba metropolis.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Thursday, January 1, 2026. According to the statement, the arrests were made during a robust township patrol conducted around midnight by police operatives led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, alongside Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and their men.
SP Bright said the operation was aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and commuters during the festive period. However, miscreants and criminal elements allegedly took advantage of the large crowds to engage in acts of lawlessness, including blocking major roads, illegal car racing, reckless driving, throwing fireworks at members of the public, and knocking down some commuters.
The situation reportedly escalated when the hoodlums attacked police patrol teams with stones and other dangerous objects, while also setting tyres ablaze at key junctions, obstructing free movement, particularly for worshippers returning from New Year church services.
The police responded swiftly, deploying lawful crowd control measures to disperse the violent mob and restore public order.
Items recovered from the suspects include 25 vehicles, eight tricycles, fireworks, hard drugs, and other offensive weapons. The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations continue ahead of their arraignment in court.
The Delta State Police Command condemned the acts, warning that any attempt to exploit festive periods to foment violence, obstruct roads, or attack security personnel would be met with firm and lawful resistance.
The Command confirmed that normalcy has been fully restored across Asaba, with intensified patrols and continuous monitoring in place to prevent further breaches of peace. Residents were urged to celebrate responsibly, obey the law, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the police.
