Delta Police Arrest 627 Suspects, Recover 144 Firearms in 2025 Crime Crackdown

The Delta State Police Command has recorded major operational successes in its fight against crime, arresting 627 suspects and recovering 144 firearms between January 2025 and date.

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

According to the police boss, the successes were driven by proactive, intelligence-led and community-centred policing, strengthened by collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, community volunteers, traditional rulers and civil society organisations.

Breakthrough in Murder of Retired Judge

One of the Command’s most significant breakthroughs, CP Olufemi revealed, was the arrest of two prime suspects linked to the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was killed in her Asaba residence on November 24, 2025.

He said a security guard attached to the late jurist’s home, Godwin Mngumi, 25, was arrested on December 6 after he was found in possession of one of the victim’s mobile phones.

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

Police investigations revealed that the suspects restrained the victim before killing her and making away with valuables, some of which have since been recovered. Investigation into the case is ongoing.

Gun Battle With Kidnappers

In another operation, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit, working with community volunteers, engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel at Obiaruku forest on December 1.

One suspect was neutralised during the encounter, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms.

Arrests Across the State

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

Similarly, between November 28 and 29, CP-SAT operatives dismantled an armed robbery and cult gang operating across Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele, arresting three suspects and recovering a locally made shotgun, a fabricated Beretta pistol, ammunition and two stolen tricycles.

Major Drug Busts

The Command also intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking. On December 10, operatives raided a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, arresting 161 suspects 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.

Summary of Achievements

Providing an overview of the Command’s operations, CP Olufemi disclosed that the 144 firearms recovered included 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single-barrel and locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns, along with 6,930 rounds of ammunition.

He added that ₦36 million ransom was recovered, 18 kidnapped victims rescued, and 28 vehicles recovered within the period.

The 627 suspects arrested, he said, comprised 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected 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 appreciating the media, community leaders and law-abiding residents for their cooperation.

As the festive season approaches, CP Olufemi 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.

He released the emergency control room numbers 08036684974, 08114895600 and 08025666914 for public use, and wished Deltans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year