Delta Police Record Major Security Breakthroughs, Recover 144 Firearms, Arrest 627 Suspects in 2025

By Diafa Doubra, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its fight against crime, arresting no fewer than 627 suspects and recovering 144 firearms and 6,930 rounds of ammunition between January and December 2025.

Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday, December 15, 2025, during a press briefing in Asaba, where he presented the Command’s achievements for the year. He attributed the successes to proactive, intelligence-driven policing and strong collaboration with sister security agencies, community vigilantes, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.

Among the major breakthroughs highlighted was the arrest of two prime suspects in the gruesome murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, which occurred on November 24, 2025, at her residence. CP Abaniwonda revealed that one of the suspects, a security guard attached to the victim’s home, confessed to inviting accomplices to carry out the crime. The suspects reportedly restrained and murdered the retired jurist before stealing her valuables. One of the stolen mobile phones has since been recovered, while investigations continue to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.

The Police Command also recorded success against kidnapping gangs operating within the state. On December 1, 2025, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), acting on credible intelligence, engaged suspected kidnappers in Obiaruku forest. One suspect was neutralised during a gun battle, while others escaped with gunshot injuries. An AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms were recovered from the scene.

In another operation, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested a 67-year-old suspected armed robber in Abraka on December 6, 2025. A search of his residence led to the recovery of two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges. Similarly, coordinated raids carried out across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele resulted in the arrest of suspected armed robbers and cultists, with the recovery of locally made firearms, ammunition, and two stolen tricycles.

The Command also intensified its crackdown on illicit drug activities. On December 10, 2025, police operatives raided a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, arresting 161 suspects, including 110 males and 51 females. A large cache of illicit substances such as codeine, tramadol, and cannabis-based drugs was recovered. Another interception along the Asaba-Onitsha expressway led to the recovery of 109 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol from a commercial bus.

Providing an overview of the year’s achievements, CP Abaniwonda stated that the Command recovered 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns. He added that ₦36 million ransom was recovered, 18 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 28 stolen vehicles were recovered. The suspects arrested include 140 armed robbers, 113 kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 cultists, and 62 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases.

The Commissioner commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and professionalism, while also praising the media for responsible reportage and sustained partnership with the Police. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement, especially as the festive season approaches.

CP Abaniwonda assured the public that the Delta State Police Command remains fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and secure Yuletide, urging citizens to report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency control room lines.