By ASABA, Nigeria – The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against crime, arresting 106 suspects and recovering 53 firearms in the first quarter of 2025.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this at the Command Headquarters in Asaba during a quarterly press briefing that highlighted strategic wins against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and arms trafficking.
The Command’s Q1 operations also led to the recovery of over 5,600 rounds of live ammunition and several suspected stolen vehicles, alongside the rescue of multiple kidnapped victims.
CP Olufemi attributed the success to proactive and intelligence-driven policing. “We have continued to make Delta State hot for criminals by embracing intelligence-led operations and strategic community engagement,” he said.
- Crackdown on Violent Crimes
Among those arrested were 35 armed robbery suspects, 24 kidnappers, five murder suspects, and 22 cultists. The Command also apprehended four individuals linked to rape and defilement cases—signalling a holistic approach to tackling violent and gender-based crimes.
One of the major highlights came in early March when officers intercepted a suspicious Toyota Camry along the Asaba-Illah Road. A thorough search revealed three AK-47 rifles and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in the vehicle. Three suspects were arrested and are currently assisting investigations.
- Notorious Kidnap Kingpin Neutralised
A major win for the Command was the neutralisation of a deadly kidnapping syndicate led by one Abubakar Usman, alias “Shehu.” The gang was behind the abduction and murder of a prominent realtor and the kidnapping of a medical doctor.
Acting on intelligence, police stormed the gang’s forest hideout, leading to a gun battle in which four suspects were killed and three AK-47 rifles were recovered.
In another successful rescue operation, five members of Elyon Paradise Ministry who were abducted during a night vigil were freed unharmed. Police recovered ₦1.3 million, suspected to be ransom money, and arrested key suspects through community-backed intelligence.
- Gun Running and Inter-State Crime Rings
The Command also busted a major gun-running operation. On 6 March, police intercepted a vehicle loaded with weapons disguised as palm oil goods. Seven pump-action guns and 1,600 cartridges were recovered. Two suspects confessed they were transporting the arms from Onitsha to Kaduna.
Further arrests were made in Kogi State in collaboration with security partners, leading to the recovery of additional weapons, including a Beretta pistol and an automatic pump-action gun.
- Community Policing Gains Ground
CP Olufemi praised the increasing collaboration between police operatives and local vigilante groups, which he described as “a growing force multiplier in our crime-fighting efforts.” He also reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.
The quarter also saw the recovery of eight suspected stolen vehicles and the disruption of several cult activities across communities such as Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Agbarho.
- Looking Ahead
While acknowledging ongoing investigations and manhunts, CP Olufemi pledged that the Command would intensify its efforts in the months ahead. “We will not relent in our efforts to rid the State of all forms of crime. Our resolve remains firm,” he affirmed.
Residents have been encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as the police continue their drive toward a safer Delta State.
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