ASABA, Nigeria – The Delta State Police Command has announced remarkable progress in its efforts to combat crime throughout 2025, with the arrest of 627 suspects and the recovery of 144 firearms from January to mid-December. Commissioner of Police (CP) Abaniwonda S. Olufemi highlighted these accomplishments during a press briefing held on Monday in Asaba, emphasizing the role of intelligence-led operations and partnerships in enhancing security across the state.
CP Olufemi attributed the successes to proactive policing strategies, community engagement, and cooperation with other security agencies, vigilante groups, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations. He presented detailed breakdowns of key operations, underscoring the command's commitment to making Delta State safer, particularly as the festive season approaches.
One notable breakthrough involved the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was found dead in her Asaba residence on November 24, 2025, with her hands, legs, and mouth bound. Police arrested the primary suspect, 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi, on December 6 in Anambra State after he was found in possession of the victim's mobile phone. Mngumi allegedly confessed to conspiring with 21-year-old Nnaji Obalum and another fugitive to tie up and kill the retired jurist before stealing valuables. Some recovered items have been linked to the crime, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect.
In a separate incident on December 1, operatives from the State Anti-Cult Unit, working with community volunteers, confronted suspected kidnappers in the Obiaruku forest. The exchange of gunfire resulted in one suspect's death, while others fled with injuries. Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms.
Another operation targeted arms proliferation when the CP-Special Assignment Team arrested 67-year-old Isiakpere Friday in Abraka, seizing two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges. Authorities are probing potential connections to broader criminal syndicates.
Between November 28 and 29, the same team disrupted an armed robbery and cult network spanning Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele, arresting three suspects and recovering a locally made shotgun, a fabricated Beretta pistol, ammunition, and two stolen tricycles.
The command also intensified its fight against drug trafficking. On December 10, a major raid on a notorious hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, led to the arrest of 161 suspects—110 males and 51 females—along with substantial quantities of illicit substances, including various types of loud synthetic cannabis, codeine, and tramadol.
Three days later, on December 13, police intercepted a bus at the Asaba-Onitsha head bridge, confiscating over 100 bottles of codeine and multiple cartons of tramadol, with arrests made on the spot.
Summarizing the year's efforts, CP Olufemi reported the recovery of 144 firearms, broken down as 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 locally fabricated or single-barrel guns, and 36 pump-action guns. Additionally, 6,930 rounds of ammunition were seized, ₦36 million in ransom money was recovered, 18 kidnapping victims were rescued, and 28 stolen vehicles were retrieved.
The 627 arrested suspects included 140 alleged armed robbers, 113 kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 cultists, and 62 linked to sexual offenses such as rape and defilement.
CP Olufemi praised the dedication of his officers and acknowledged support from the media, community leaders, and residents. He stressed the importance of public vigilance during the Yuletide period, assuring full deployment to maintain peace and security.
Residents were encouraged to report emergencies via control room numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, or 08025666914. The commissioner extended festive greetings, wishing Deltans a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
These achievements reflect ongoing efforts to address persistent challenges like cultism, kidnapping, and drug abuse in Delta State, contributing to a perceived decline in violent crime rates.
