The Delta State Police Command has made significant achievements in its fight against crime across the state in July 2025, arresting 211 suspects and recovering ₦8.5 million in ransom money, 18 firearms, and over 350 rounds of ammunition.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, attributed these outcomes to the command’s proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-based policing approaches.
Key operations included a joint raid by the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad and the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade that rescued two kidnapped female polytechnic students in Ogwashi-Ukwu forest. The operation resulted in the death of two kidnappers and recovery of an AK-47, 39 rounds of ammunition, and ₦3.5 million believed to be ransom.
Another notable arrest was that of Chiadiji Collins (“Smooth”) and accomplice Ezechie Andrew along Ibusa road, linked to multiple kidnappings. Their homes yielded firearms and ammunition. The dismantling of a major kidnapping syndicate active in Sapele and Oghara included detaining leader Owei Abebo (“Adusa”) and a herbalist suspected of supplying charms to gang members, with fetish items and 247 SMG rounds seized.
In a major cybercrime crackdown in Effurun, 184 suspects were arrested and 370 electronic devices, including laptops, smartphones, and routers, recovered.
A peculiar case involved Merit Eneh, who faked her abduction to extort ₦3 million from her brother to cover wedding expenses, confessing after arrest.
Other significant arrests included Sanusi Abdulahi and four gang members with ₦5 million ransom in Ogwashi-Uku, and a violent encounter on Patani-Ughelli Expressway leading to six kidnappers’ deaths and recovery of locally made guns and ammunition.
Several suspected cultists were arrested, including Eiye confraternity leaders and Black Axe affiliates caught with firearms and weapons.
The command also intensified efforts against illicit drug trafficking, arresting women transporting tramadol, codeine, swinol, and cannabis.
CP Olufemi praised officers for their determination and urged continued public cooperation to maintain security gains across Delta State.
