The Delta State Police Command says it recovered 144 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition in a year-long crackdown on criminal activities across the state.
Briefing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed that the arms recovered between January and December 2025 included AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, Beretta pistols, single-barrel and cut-to-size guns, as well as pump-action firearms. He added that a total of 6,930 ammunition and cartridges were also seized during the period.
According to the Commissioner, the successes recorded by the Command were the result of a proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing strategy, anchored on collaboration with sister security agencies and local stakeholders such as vigilante groups, anti-cult volunteers, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), civil society organisations and traditional rulers.
CP Abaniwonda revealed that 627 suspects were arrested for various offences within the year. The breakdown includes 125 murder suspects—among them two prime suspects linked to the killing of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu at her residence in Asaba on November 24—140 suspected armed robbers, 113 kidnappers, 187 suspected cultists and 62 suspects arrested for rape and defilement.
He further disclosed that police operatives rescued 18 kidnapped victims, recovered 28 vehicles and N36 million believed to be ransom paid by families of abducted persons.
On the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, the Police Commissioner said the Command arrested 161 suspects in a major operation targeting illicit drug networks. He explained that on December 10, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led a Buffalo Tactical Team to Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area, where a notorious drug hideout was raided.
The operation, he said, led to the arrest of 110 males and 51 females, with a large quantity of illicit substances recovered, including Nigerian Loud, Canadian Loud, codeine syrup, ice and sachets of 200mg tramadol.
In a related development, CP Abaniwonda said operatives of the Buffalo Team on December 13 intercepted an Asaba–Onitsha commercial bus at the bridgehead in Asaba. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 109 bottles of codeine and several cartons of tramadol, while the suspects were immediately arrested. Investigations, he noted, are ongoing.
Commending officers and men of the Command for their commitment and professionalism, the Police Commissioner also praised the media for responsible reportage and sustained partnership with the Police throughout the year. He equally appreciated the support of law-abiding citizens, traditional rulers and community leaders.
As the festive season approaches, CP Abaniwonda urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, while providing credible information to security agencies. He assured that the Delta State Police Command is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and secure Yuletide, and announced the release of emergency control room phone numbers for public use.
