Delta Police Arrest 627 Suspects for Abduction, Murder, Other Crimes, Recover 144 Arms, 6,930 Ammunition, ₦36m Ransom
The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of 627 suspects for various crimes, including abduction, murder, armed robbery, and cultism, among others, as well as the recovery of 144 firearms, 6,930 rounds of ammunition and ₦36 million in ransom.
Those arrested include 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected cultists, and 62 rape suspects. The Command also rescued 18 kidnapped victims and recovered 28 vehicles during various operations across the state.
The arms recovered included 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single barrel/cut-to-size guns and 36 pump-action guns.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the Command’s operational achievements and progress recorded from January 2025 to date, on Monday, December 15, 2025.
CP Olufemi revealed that the Command adopted a proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-centred policing strategy, working with sister security agencies and community stakeholders, including vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and traditional rulers, to sustain targeted operations against criminal networks.
He highlighted the Command’s key achievements during the year, including the arrest of two prime suspects in the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, the death of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 42 live cartridges.
“Following the gruesome murder of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd) which occurred on the 24th of November 2025 at her residence. Acting on credible intelligence, on 6th of December 2025, operatives of the Homicide Section, State CID, Asaba, arrested one Godwin Mngumi, male, 25 years old who is security guard attached to the residence of the deceased.
“The suspect was found in possession of one of the late Justice’s mobile phones. Upon interrogation, he made a voluntary confession and admitted to inviting his accomplices one Nnaji Obalum, male, 21 years old to perpetrate the crime,” CP Olufemi said.
He noted that the suspects confessed that on November 23, 2025 at about 21:30 hrs, they, alongside a third suspect currently at large, entered the home of the deceased, tied her with a rope and cloth, and murdered her. Consequently, they stole her valuables, including two phones and a wristwatch, which they disposed of for a meagre sum.
“One of the stolen phones has been recovered in Ogbogonogo market, Asaba. Investigation is ongoing,” the CP added.
On the death of suspected kidnapper and recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 42 live cartridges, Olufemi stated that on December 1, 2025, at about 02:30 hrs, operatives of the Command State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), in collaboration with community volunteers, were on intensive patrol when they received credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were sighted within the Obiaruku forest.
“Acting swiftly, operatives of SACU stormed the bush where the suspects opened fire from multiple directions in a bid to repel the team. The operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the death of one suspect, while others escaped into the forest with various degrees of gunshot injuries. One AK-47 rifle with forty-two (42) rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms were recovered,” he declared.
CP Olufemi also pointed out the arrest of suspected armed robber and recovery of two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges, arrest of suspected armed robbers and cultist, and recovery of one locally made shotgun, one locally fabricated baretta pistol, six live cartridges, 15 rounds of ammunition and two tricycles.
With reference to the arrest of suspected armed robber and recovery of two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges, he disclosed that on December 6, 2025 at about 07:30 hrs, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence, executed a successful intelligence-led operation in Abraka.
The operatives conducted a coordinated search at Umeghe community, Abraka, the residence of a man identified as Isiakpere Friday, 67. The operation resulted in the recovery of two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges.
“The suspect is in custody, and an investigation is ongoing to determine possible links to cult groups, arms suppliers, and other criminal networks,” Olufemi noted.
Regarding the arrest of suspected armed robbers and cultist, and recovery of one locally made shotgun, one locally fabricated Beretta pistol, six live cartridges, 15 rounds of ammunition and two tricycles, he mentioned that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) recorded a series of coordinated breakthroughs between November 28 and 29, 2025.
This, he said, is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to armed robbery, and cult-related activities across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele. “Acting on credible intelligence, around the Ekuigbo axis, the team intercepted one Kelvin Oke, male, 42 years old, and recovered a stolen tricycle in his possession.
“More coordinated operations led to the arrest of two additional suspects: Victor Oyaye, male, 26 years, identified as the gang leader, and Monday Emakpo, male, 31 years residing in Agbarha, Ughelli. Another stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges were recovered.”
CP Olufemi further highlighted the crackdown on drug activities, stating that on December 10, 2025 at about 21:30 hrs, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations led a formidable contingent of policemen drawn from the Buffalo Tactical Teams to Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to him, they conducted a decisive raid on a hideout known for notorious sales and distribution of illicit drugs. “The intelligence-driven operation resulted in the arrest of one hundred and sixty-one (161) suspects, comprising one hundred and ten (110) males and fifty-one (51) females.”
Olufemi equally revealed that a large quantity of illicit drugs was recovered from the hideout, including Nigeria Loud, Canadian Loud, CSC Codeine, Ice, and sachets of 200mg of Tramadol.
Similarly, on December 13, 2025, operatives of Buffalo Tactical Team intercepted an Asaba-Onitsha bus at the Asaba Head Bridge and subjected it to a search during which 109 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol were recovered.
The CP further stated that the suspects were promptly arrested, while investigations were ongoing. He directed officers and men of the Command to remain proactive, professional, and fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the state, stressing that it aligns with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a safe, peaceful, and crime-free environment across the country.
He commended the officers and men of the Command for their dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice in the discharge of their duties.
Olufemi also commended media organisations for their professionalism, responsible reportage, and continued partnership with the police throughout the year, acknowledging that their “role in timely, accurate information dissemination has greatly enhanced public awareness and supported our crime-prevention efforts.”
He further appreciated the cooperation of law-abiding citizens, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
CP Olufemi urged members of the public to remain vigilant and law-abiding and to support the police with credible information as the Yuletide and festive season approaches.
He reiterated that the Command remains fully prepared to ensure a safe, peaceful, and secure festive period for all.
