The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against crime, with the arrest of 77 suspects and the recovery of 13 firearms, over 500 rounds of ammunition, and ₦4.1 million ransom within the month of October.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, psc, made this known during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters, Asaba, where he presented the Command’s scorecard for the period under review.
According to the CP, the Command’s achievements resulted from intelligence-driven policing, community collaboration, and sustained operations across the state’s troubled flashpoints.
Among the highlights was the neutralization of a suspected kidnapper and rescue of a victim in Obinomba community on November 1, following a fierce gun duel between police operatives and kidnappers. One AK-47 rifle and 12 live ammunition were recovered during the operation.
In another major breakthrough, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested a female suspect, Jamila Abubakar, and a notorious arms dealer, Ahmed Ibrahim, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 367 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦550,000 suspected to be proceeds of illicit arms trade. Ibrahim was reportedly on the Command’s watchlist for supplying weapons to bandit groups and involvement in high-profile kidnapping cases.
Similarly, in a coordinated operation, police recovered ₦4.1 million ransom from a gang of kidnappers traced to Ihiala and Nnewi in Anambra State. The suspects had abducted two persons in Asaba earlier in October.
The CP also disclosed the arrest of several armed robbers, cultists, and drug dealers in various operations, leading to the recovery of fabricated pistols, pump-action shotguns, locally made guns, and a cache of 178 live cartridges.
He said that operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad and Rapid Response Squad intercepted armed suspects along Ughelli–Warri Road and the Asaba–Benin Expressway respectively, recovering weapons concealed in vehicles and sacks.
In another successful operation, seven suspected kidnappers were arrested in Ubeji community, while three kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt.
Also, operatives of the Crack Squad apprehended two suspected drug barons in Effurun, recovering large quantities of codeine, tramadol, rohypnol, and cannabis.
CP Abaniwonda commended his officers for their commitment and the cooperation of residents, noting that the Command remains resolute in ensuring Delta State remains unsafe for criminals.
“Our operations are guided by professionalism, intelligence, and respect for human rights. We appreciate Deltans for their continuous support and urge them to report suspicious movements or persons through our control room numbers,” he said.
The CP reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to sustaining peace, while calling on community leaders and youth groups to partner with the Police in maintaining law and order across the state.
Summary of Achievements (October 2025 – Date):
Firearms recovered: 13
Ammunition and cartridges: 591
Kidnapped victims rescued: 5
Suspects arrested: 77
Vehicles recovered: 3
Ransom recovered: ₦4.1 million
For emergencies or reports, residents are advised to call the Police Control Room at 08036684974