The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested 85 suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping and murder to cultism and drug trafficking, while recovering 32 firearms and large quantities of ammunition during a sustained statewide security operation conducted over the past two months.
Addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Asaba on Monday during the second-quarter press briefing, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, attributed the achievements to intelligence-led policing, strategic operations and strengthened collaboration with local vigilante groups.
According to the Commissioner, the Command’s operations, carried out between April 29 and June 29, 2026, led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers and the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims.
“Our successes recorded during this period are the result of intelligence-driven policing, coordinated tactical operations and effective collaboration with local vigilante groups and members of the public,” Oyeniyi said.
He disclosed that one of the major breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, Shehu Malami, in Ughelli on April 29. According to him, the suspect later led operatives to a hideout in Agbarha-Otor where an AK-47 rifle and 63 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
The police boss said investigations linked the suspect to a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for several abductions across Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele, Warri and neighbouring communities.
In another operation, police arrested two suspected kidnappers after they reportedly emerged from a forest to purchase food and medication. The suspects were later identified by a previous kidnapping victim as members of a gang involved in an attempted abduction.
Operatives also recovered another AK-47 rifle and live ammunition during a raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the Ubulu-Okiti forest after the suspects fled during a gun battle.
The Commissioner further announced the rescue of a three-year-old child allegedly abducted by a commercial motorcyclist entrusted with conveying the child to and from school.
The suspect, identified as Kelvin Ogaga, was arrested after allegedly demanding a ransom of ₦500,000. Police recovered ₦127,000 believed to be part of the ransom, while the child was rescued unharmed and reunited with the family.
On homicide investigations, Oyeniyi revealed that police arrested Adedamola Michael Oyewole, 31, over the alleged murder of Habibatu Aruwa, a 21-year-old final-year law student of the University of Port Harcourt.
“The suspect confessed that an argument over his marital status degenerated into violence, during which he stabbed the victim several times,” the Commissioner stated.
He also confirmed that the suspect accused of murdering Bishop Chinedu Okonkwo in Ibusa has been charged to court after being apprehended in neighbouring Anambra State while allegedly attempting to dispose of the deceased bishop’s vehicle.
As part of its anti-cultism campaign, the Command arrested 25 suspected cultists during a raid on a suspected initiation ground in Agbarho. Officers recovered a pump-action shotgun and a cut-to-size firearm after coming under attack from some of the suspects.
Another operation in Ibusa resulted in the arrest of two suspected cultists, with police recovering a pump-action gun, live cartridges, charms and suspected illicit drugs.
Earlier, operatives stormed a notorious criminal hideout known as Best Lodge in Oko Community, arresting 14 suspects believed to be involved in armed robbery and cult-related activities. Recovered exhibits included a locally made firearm, live cartridges, dangerous weapons, suspected Indian hemp, mobile phones and cash.
The Command also intensified its campaign against drug trafficking with the arrest of two suspected drug dealers in Amukpe, Sapele. Recovered substances included Tramadol, Codeine, MDMA, Swinol, Tianeptine, popularly known as “Zaza,” and other controlled drugs.
Giving a breakdown of the Command’s achievements, the Commissioner disclosed that five murder suspects, 76 suspected cultists and seven persons linked to drug-related offences were arrested during the review period. He added that 46 of the cult suspects had already been charged to court, while investigations continue on the remaining suspects.
He further disclosed that police recovered three AK-47 rifles, four pump-action guns, two Beretta pistols, several locally made firearms, 197 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and 219 live cartridges.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety, Oyeniyi urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
