The Delta State Police Command has recorded sweeping security gains in 2025, arresting 627 criminal suspects, recovering 144 firearms and nearly 7,000 rounds of ammunition, and dismantling multiple armed robbery, kidnapping, cult and drug networks across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday, December 15, 2025 while briefing journalists in Asaba on the Command’s operational achievements from January to date. He said the successes were driven by proactive, intelligence-led and community-centred policing, carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilantes, traditional rulers and civil society groups.
Among the most high-profile breakthroughs was the arrest of two prime suspects in the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, killed in her residence on November 24. CP Abaniwonda said detectives arrested the deceased’s security guard, Godwin Mngumi (25), who was found with one of her phones and confessed to inviting accomplices to carry out the crime. Another suspect, Nnaji Obalum (21), was also arrested, while a third remains at large. One stolen phone was recovered at Ogbogonogo Market, Asaba, with investigations ongoing.
In a separate operation, police operatives engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel inside Obiaruku forest, killing one suspect and recovering one AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms. Other gang members escaped with gunshot wounds.
The Command also recorded major arms recoveries in Abraka, Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele. These included the arrest of a 67-year-old suspect with two pump-action guns and 39 cartridges, as well as the arrest of a robbery and cult gang that led to the recovery of locally made firearms, ammunition and two stolen tricycles.
In a massive crackdown on drug trafficking, police raided a notorious drug hub in Agbor, arresting 161 suspects — 110 males and 51 females and seizing large quantities of illicit substances including Canadian Loud, Nigerian Loud, codeine, tramadol and ice. Another operation intercepted a commercial bus in Asaba, yielding 109 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol.
Summarising the year’s scorecard, CP Abaniwonda said the Command recovered 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single-barrel and locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns, along with 6,930 rounds of ammunition. Police also recovered ₦36 million ransom, rescued 18 kidnapped victims, and recovered 28 stolen vehicles.
A breakdown of arrests showed 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 cultists and 62 rape and defilement suspects taken into custody.
The Commissioner credited the achievements to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and praised officers for their professionalism and sacrifice. He also commended the media and law-abiding citizens for their cooperation.
“As we approach the Yuletide, the Command is fully prepared to ensure a safe, peaceful and secure festive season,” CP Olufemi said, urging residents to remain vigilant and share credible intelligence.
He released emergency control room numbers — 08036684974, 08114895600, 08025666914 — and wished Deltans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
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