ASABA, Delta State — The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on criminal elements, with the arrest of a suspected arms trafficker in Asaba and the capture of a notorious drug dealer in Jeddo Community, near Warri.
Under the strategic leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the Command’s operatives have continued to sustain proactive, intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling networks engaged in illicit drugs and illegal arms trafficking across the State.
Arrest of Suspect with 400 Live Cartridges
On October 16, 2025, at about 12:00 noon, officers attached to the ‘C’ Division, Asaba led by CSP Ogbe Emmanuel intercepted a Toyota Hiace Hummer Bus with registration number NGK 16 XB during a stop-and-search operation at the Head Bridge, Asaba.
The vehicle, driven by Ozoemenam Sylvanus, was reportedly en route to Edo State when operatives observed the driver’s suspicious behaviour. A thorough search of the bus led to the discovery of 400 live cartridges carefully concealed within the vehicle.
According to police sources, the suspect initially claimed the parcel contained padlocks but was rendered speechless when officers uncovered the hidden ammunition. He was immediately arrested, and the cartridges recovered as exhibits.
The Command has since launched a full-scale investigation to trace the origin of the ammunition and identify other members of the criminal network behind the illegal movement.
Notorious Drug Baron Nabbed in Jeddo Community
In a separate operation, operatives of the Orerokpe Police Division on October 10, 2025, at about 8:45 p.m., arrested Onos Afokoghene, a 37-year-old suspected drug kingpin notorious for distributing large quantities of narcotics in Warri and neighbouring areas.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Paul Oboware, led his team to a known drug hotspot in Jeddo Community where Afokoghene and others were allegedly selling and consuming illicit substances. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects attempted to flee, but Afokoghene was swiftly apprehended after a brief pursuit.
A search of the scene uncovered a large cache of drugs and items used in their sale. Recovered exhibits included 3kg of Canadian Loud, 10kg of Indian Hemp, 24 litres of “monkey tail” (weed soaked in dry gin), several sachets of Tramadol of varying strengths, and two POS machines believed to be used for drug transactions.
The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue to unravel his distribution network and financial backers.
Command Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety
Speaking on the operations, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, emphasizing that Delta State will remain unsafe for criminals and their collaborators.
He urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information that could aid in preventing and combating crime.
“The cooperation of the public remains crucial to our success,” CP Abaniwonda said. “We encourage residents to stay vigilant, be law-abiding, and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation or through the Command’s distress line: 08036684974.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, NIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, reiterated that these arrests demonstrate the Command’s renewed operational intensity and commitment to a safer Delta.
