The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, has intensified its crackdown on criminal elements across the state, recording significant achievements in the first quarter of 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba, CP Abaniwonda disclosed that the command has adopted intelligence-led policing strategies, leading to major breakthroughs in the fight against armed robbery, kidnapping, gun running, and cult-related violence. These efforts, he said, have made Delta State increasingly hostile territory for criminal operations.
Major Breakthroughs and Operations
One of the most notable victories was the dismantling of a deadly kidnapping syndicate terrorizing areas like Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Issele-Uku, and Ubuluku. Acting on intelligence, police operatives tracked down and killed four members of the group, including its kingpin, Abubakar Usman, also known as “Shehu.” The operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition.
In a separate operation, police intercepted a modified Toyota Camry used for smuggling arms, recovering three AK-47 rifles and a shocking cache of 3,120 rounds of live ammunition. The suspect, Peter James, a 55-year-old from Akwa Ibom State, was arrested.
Another sting operation at Onicha-Ugbo revealed a hidden arms haul beneath bags of garri and palm oil. The suspects, pretending to be traders, were caught transporting seven pump-action guns and 1,600 rounds of cartridges to Kaduna.
CP Abaniwonda also reported the arrest of Victor Edavwe, a youth leader in Ekpan, found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and 44 rounds of ammunition. Several other high-profile arrests and arms recoveries were made across various parts of the state and even in neighbouring states like Kogi and Rivers.
Summary of Q1 Achievements
The Delta State Police Command’s Q1 2025 statistics paint a clear picture of an aggressive and successful campaign against crime:
- Total suspects arrested: 106
- Armed robbers: 35
- Kidnappers: 24
- Cultists: 22
- Murder suspects: 21
- Rape/Defilement: 4
- Weapons recovered: 53
- AK-47 rifles: 11
- G3 rifles: 1
- Beretta pistols: 9
- Locally made/single-barrel guns: 19
- Pump-action guns: 13
- Ammunition and cartridges recovered: 5,612 rounds
- Kidnapped victims rescued: 13
- Stolen vehicles recovered: 14
In another heartwarming development, five kidnapped members of the Elyon Paradise Ministry were rescued unhurt after being abducted during a church vigil in Ogwashi-Uku. The operation also led to the recovery of ₦1.3 million in suspected ransom money.
A Call for Collaboration
CP Abaniwonda expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government, sister security agencies, and residents for their continued support, emphasizing that “security is everybody’s business.”
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the following emergency hotlines: 08036684974, 08114895600, 08025666914
Looking Ahead
With consistent strategic operations, the Delta State Police Command has set the tone for a crime-free year. CP Abaniwonda reiterated the command’s commitment to restoring public confidence and keeping the state safe.
“Together, we can keep Delta State safe for all. If you see something, say something,” he concluded.
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