At least 627 suspects have been arrested and 144 firearms recovered by the Delta state police command between January 2025 till date.

Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday in Asaba at a press briefing where he presented the Command’s achievements for the year.

According to him, the successes were the result of proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-centered policing, supported by collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, community volunteers, traditional rulers and civil society organisations.

The police boss said one of the Command’s major breakthroughs was the arrest of two prime suspects linked to the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was killed in her residence on November 24, 2025.

He revealed that a security guard attached to the late jurist’s residence, Godwin Mngumi, 25, was arrested on December 6 after being found in possession of one of her mobile phones.

The suspect ’llegedly confessed to inviting an accomplice, Nnaji Obalum, 21, to carry out the crime alongside another suspect still at large.

Police said the suspects tied the victim before killing her and dispossessing her of valuables, some of which have been recovered, while investigation continues.

In another operation, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit, in collaboration with community volunteers, engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle in Obiaruku forest on December 1, leading to the death of one suspect. An AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms were recovered, while other suspects escaped with gunshot injuries.

CP Olufemi also announced the arrest of a 67-year-old suspect, Isiakpere Friday, in Abraka by operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team. The operation led to the recovery of two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges, with investigations ongoing to determine links to criminal networks.

Similarly, between November 28 and 29, operatives of the CP-SAT dismantled an armed robbery and cult gang operating across Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele. Three suspects were arrested during the coordinated operations, while a locally made shotgun, a fabricated Beretta pistol, ammunition and two stolen tricycles were recovered.

The Command also recorded a major crackdown on drug activities. On December 10, operatives raided a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, arresting 161 suspects, including 110 males and 51 females, and recovering large quantities of illicit drugs.

Another operation on December 13 led to the interception of a bus at the Asaba–Onitsha head bridge, where over 100 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol were seized and suspects arrested.

Providing a summary of the Command’s overall achievements, the Commissioner said a total of 144 firearms were recovered, including 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single-barrel and locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns, alongside 6,930 rounds of ammunition.

He added that N36 million ransom was recovered, 18 kidnapped victims rescued and 28 vehicles recovered within the period.

CP Olufemi noted that the 627 suspects arrested comprised 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected cultists and 62 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases.

He commended officers and men of the Delta State Police Command for their dedication and professionalism, while also appreciating the media, community leaders and law-abiding citizens for their cooperation.

As the festive season approaches, the Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, assuring that the Command is fully prepared to ensure a safe, peaceful and secure Yuletide across the state. (Nigerian Tribune)

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