Delta Police Parade 80 Suspects, Recover 31 Firearms and Stolen Vehicles in August Crackdown

By Diafa Doubra,

The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime across the state, arresting 80 suspects and recovering 31 firearms, stolen vehicles, and other exhibits during various operations in August.

Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, psc, disclosed this on Wednesday in Asaba while briefing journalists on the command’s achievements for the month under review. He said the success was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, that Nigerians should “sleep with their two eyes closed.”

“Deltans can attest to the fact that in recent times, the state has become very hot for criminals. We will not relent in going after criminally minded individuals and ensuring they are brought to justice,” CP Olufemi assured.

Major Arrests and Recoveries

Arms and Ammunition:

* A 39-year-old suspect, Bassey Udoh, was arrested in Asaba with a Beretta pistol.
* Three suspected robbers from Imo State were apprehended in Ubulu-Okiti with one pump-action gun, two double-barreled guns, and cartridges.
* A 58-year-old man, Albert Opene, was caught with 75 live cartridges hidden under his car seat.
* Several other raids in Onicha-Ugbo, Ogwashi-Uku, and Ughelli led to the recovery of multiple firearms, including pump-action rifles and single-barreled guns.

Robbery and Stolen Property:

* An ex-convict, Precious Okoro, who had just completed a two-year jail term, was re-arrested five days after his release for stealing another motorcycle.
* A five-man robbery gang, led by Samson Ugbe alias “Big Man”, was busted in Ughelli with stolen electronics, vehicles, and exhibits linked to earlier robberies at Niger Delta University and warehouses in the state.
* A 35-year-old suspect, Igenebo John, was intercepted while trying to sell stolen SUVs – a Lexus RX350 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK – for ₦2 million each.

Drug Peddling:

* Police operatives in Ughelli stormed a suspected drug baron’s hideout, arresting 52-year-old Egbule Isioma and her apprentices. Items recovered included 355 bottles of codeine, hundreds of tramadol rolls, cannabis, and other illicit drugs.

Fraud and Hypnotism:

* A syndicate of suspected fraudsters who specialized in hypnotizing victims to steal valuables and drain their bank accounts was dismantled. Police said the group defrauded victims of ₦23.5 million, 42 motorcycles, and several iPhones.

Other Operations:

* Eleven stolen ladders were recovered after suspects disguised as customers hired and resold them for as low as ₦20,000 each, far below their market value of ₦250,000.
* A Mercedes-Benz GLK snatched at gunpoint in Enugu in 2023 was recovered in Asaba, with the suspect, Chinedu Eze, in custody.
* In Ogwashi-Uku, two suspects were arrested with firearms, stolen motorcycles, and electronics after a distress call about a robbery.

Firearms recovered: 31
Ammunition and cartridges: 86
Laptops and phones recovered: 50
Total suspects arrested: 80

The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police. He also shared hotlines for emergencies: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.

“These achievements are a clear indication of our determination to make Delta State unsafe for criminals. We will sustain this momentum,” CP Olufemi assured.