The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained fight against crime and criminality across the state, with the recovery of sixteen firearms, ninety-four rounds of live ammunition, and the arrest of ninety-five suspects for various offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and drug peddling.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters, Asaba, where he outlined the Command’s achievements from September to date.
He said the Command had intensified security operations across the state, including strategic deployments to protect worship centres following reports of burglary incidents in churches, especially in Sapele and other urban areas.
These measures, he noted, have yielded results with several suspects apprehended and stolen church equipment worth millions of naira recovered.
Major Operations and Recoveries
Highlighting some of the Command’s key achievements, CP Abaniwonda said that:
Two suspected kidnappers were neutralized and a cache of arms recovered during a joint operation by the Command and Operation Delta Sweep at Boji Boji Owa.
Another gang of kidnappers operating in Ogwashi-Uku was smashed, leading to the rescue of a victim, recovery of his Toyota Venza SUV, and the arrest of three suspects.
A network jammer and a Toyota Matrix used for their operations were also recovered.
In Ughelli North, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) engaged suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun duel during which two suspects died from injuries sustained.
The team recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, forty-three rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol.
Eagle-Net Special Squad intercepted a truck loaded with large quantities of illicit drugs along the Asaba–Benin Road.
The suspect, a 52-year-old male from Kogi State, was arrested as investigation continues.
In Ogwashi-Uku, two suspects were arrested for vandalising churches and carting away musical equipment. Recovered items included a pump-action gun, locally made revolver, and other weapons used for their operations.
At Jesse Town, a raid on a cultists’ hideout led to the arrest of twelve suspects and the recovery of a Beretta pistol and live ammunition.
In Asaba and its environs, multiple armed robbery and cult-related arrests were made, with the recovery of fabricated pistols, locally made guns, and other dangerous weapons.
In Agbor, the Command rescued a kidnapped teenage girl from Niger State and arrested her abductor, who had lured and hypnotised her. The victim has since been reunited with her family.
According to CP Abaniwonda, the Command’s operations within the month led to the following recoveries and arrests:
16 Firearms recovered, 94 rounds of ammunition and cartridges recovered, One truck loaded with illicit drugs seized and 95 suspects arrested for various offences
Commitment to Public Safety
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring peace and safety across the state through intelligence-driven policing, community collaboration, and inter-agency synergy.
“We remain resolute in our mission to rid Delta State of criminal elements and ensure that residents can go about their daily activities without fear. We are grateful for the cooperation of well-meaning Deltans and encourage the public to continue providing credible information,” he stated.
He further urged members of the public to report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s control room via 08036684974.
