The month of August 2025 was a stormy one for criminals in Delta State, as the State Police Command announced a string of arrests, recoveries, and crackdowns across the state. Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, psc, who addressed journalists in Asaba, said the successes reflected the determination of the Command to make Delta “hot for criminals” and ensure residents “sleep with their two eyes closed,” in line with the mandate of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM.
“The Command under my watch will not relent in this mandate. We will continue to go after criminally minded individuals and ensure they are arrested and brought to justice,” the CP declared.
Key Operations and Arrests
The month under review witnessed a wide range of police actions targeting armed robbery, drug trafficking, fraud, and property theft. Some of the major highlights include:
- Gun Running and Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested: On August 16, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad intercepted one Bassey Udoh, 39, along DBS Road, Asaba, and recovered an English Beretta pistol. Investigations linked him to a robbery syndicate.
- Weapons Recovered in Ubulu-Okiti: Acting on credible intelligence, the CP-Decoy Squad raided a hideout on August 21, arresting three suspects from Imo State and recovering a pump-action gun, two double-barreled guns, and cartridges.
- Ex-Convict Returns to Crime: Barely five days after regaining freedom from Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Facility, 27-year-old Precious Okoro was re-arrested with an accomplice for stealing a motorcycle in Asaba.
- Major Robbery Syndicate Crushed in Ughelli: Police apprehended notorious gang leader Samson Ugbe, alias Big Man, and his associates. The syndicate, linked to several high-profile robberies including attacks at Niger Delta University and Oroye warehouse, was found in possession of stolen vehicles, electronics, and other valuables.
- Illicit Drug Baron Busted: In Ughelli, police arrested a 52-year-old woman, Egbule Isioma, who ran a chemist as cover for large-scale drug trafficking. The raid uncovered 355 bottles of codeine, hundreds of rolls of Tramadol capsules, cannabis, and other controlled substances.
- Fraudsters Nabbed: A syndicate of eight fraudsters operating across Warri, Ughelli, and parts of Edo State was dismantled. The group specialized in hypnotizing victims, stealing valuables, and draining bank accounts. Recovered exhibits included two Toyota Camry cars, 16 suspected stolen iPhones, and evidence of fraud exceeding ₦23.5 million.
- Stolen Vehicles Recovered: Several high-value vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz and Lexus SUVs, were retrieved in operations across Ughelli, Sapele, and Asaba. Some had been snatched at gunpoint from their owners, who were attacked in their homes.
- Unusual Thefts Addressed: In Ekpan, police cracked down on a curious but costly crime wave—ladder theft. One suspect and his collaborators, who sold ₦250,000 ladders for as low as ₦20,000, were apprehended, and 11 ladders were recovered.
Results by the Numbers
According to CP Abaniwonda, the August operations produced the following outcomes:
- Firearms recovered: 31
- Ammunition and cartridges recovered: 86
- Laptops and mobile phones recovered: 50
- Total suspects arrested: 80
Call to Citizens
The Commissioner urged Deltans to remain vigilant and support police operations by reporting suspicious movements and persons. He also shared dedicated control room numbers for emergencies.
The Command’s August record paints a picture of intensified security operations in Delta, reflecting both the scale of criminal activities and the firm response of law enforcement.
