DELTA POLICE COMMAND STRIKES HARD — ARRESTS ARMED ROBBERS, CULTISTS AND DRUG TRAFFICKERS IN STRING OF OPERATIONS

By Diafa Doubra,

The Delta State Police Command has continued its strong offensive against crime and insecurity across the state, recording three major breakthroughs within the first week of October. In a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations across Asaba, operatives from the ‘B’ Division, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and the Eagle Net Special Squad (ENSS) arrested suspected armed robbers, cultists, and drug traffickers, while also recovering firearms and large quantities of illicit drugs.

Armed Robber and Cultist Arrested in Asaba

On October 1, 2025, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, Asaba, CSP Edewor Akponegware, led his surveillance team in response to a distress call from the BONSAAC axis, where a female resident was robbed at gunpoint by two male suspects. Acting swiftly and in collaboration with local vigilantes, the team combed the area and successfully arrested one of the suspects, identified as Amara Nwako, age 21, from Oko community.

A locally made pistol was recovered at the scene, while the suspect’s accomplice fled into a nearby uncompleted building. Preliminary investigations suggest that Nwako is a member of the Arobaga cult group. Police operatives have launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

Eagle Net Squad Intercepts Truck Loaded with Illicit Drugs

In a separate operation on October 2, 2025, the Eagle Net Special Squad, led by SP Danyaya Yunusa, working in partnership with the Office of the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Illicit Drugs and Human Trafficking, intercepted a truck suspected of transporting drugs.

The truck, with registration number 3BGT 18LG, was driven by Dennis Uruma, age 52, from Igalamela LGA of Kogi State. Upon inspection, operatives discovered large quantities of suspected illicit drugs concealed in the vehicle. The driver was promptly arrested, and authorities are currently counting and measuring the seized substances to determine their exact nature and quantity.

RRS Smashes Armed Robbery/Cultist Gang, Recovers Fabricated Beretta Pistol

Barely a day later, on October 3, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), led by Commander CSP Nosa Alex, stormed a suspected criminal hideout around the Basket Market area of Asaba. Acting on credible intelligence, the team arrested three suspects: Rabbi Godwin, age 25, Lucky Nanakumo age 20, and David Igwe age 19.

During the raid, a fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered. Investigations are ongoing to trace other members of the gang and recover additional weapons believed to be in their possession.

CP Abaniwonda Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Crime

Reacting to the series of successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the officers for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication. He assured residents that the command remains committed to maintaining peace and order across the state.

“Delta State Police Command will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of criminals. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station,” the CP stated.

He further reiterated the command’s commitment to working closely with community leaders, vigilante groups, and government agencies to dismantle criminal networks, curb cultism, and disrupt the drug trade.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, also praised the synergy among the various units that led to the successes and reaffirmed the command’s readiness to respond swiftly to any security threats in the state.

With these operations, the Delta State Police Command has once again demonstrated its determination to make Delta State safer for residents and businesses.