Delta Police Recover 144 Firearms, Arrest 627 Suspects in 2025 — CP Abaniwonda

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, psc, has disclosed that the Command recovered a total of 144 firearms, 6,930 rounds of ammunition, and arrested 627 suspects in various criminal offences between January 2025 and date.

CP Abaniwonda made this known during a press briefing in Asaba, where he presented the operational achievements of the Delta State Police Command for the year under review, noting that the successes were recorded through proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-centred policing.

According to him, the Command worked closely with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, anti-cult volunteers, Police Community Relations Committees (PCRC), civil society organisations, and traditional rulers to dismantle criminal networks and protect lives and property across the state.

Highlighting major breakthroughs, the Commissioner announced the arrest of two prime suspects in the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was killed at her residence on November 24, 2025. He said operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested one of the suspects, a security guard attached to the victim’s residence, who confessed to inviting accomplices to carry out the crime. One of the deceased’s stolen mobile phones was recovered, while investigations continue to apprehend other suspects still at large.

In another operation, CP Abaniwonda disclosed that one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during a gun battle with operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) in the Obiaruku forest on December 1, 2025. An AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, mobile phones, and charms were recovered, while other suspects escaped with gunshot injuries.

The Commissioner further reported the arrest of a suspected armed robber in Abraka by operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), leading to the recovery of two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges. He added that coordinated operations across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele also led to the arrest of suspected armed robbers and cultists, with the recovery of locally made firearms, ammunition, and two stolen tricycles.

On the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, CP Abaniwonda revealed that 161 drug-related suspects were arrested during a major raid on a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area. He said large quantities of illicit substances, including Canadian Loud, Nigerian Loud, codeine, ice, and tramadol, were recovered. Another operation at the Asaba-Onitsha head bridge led to the interception of a commercial bus conveying over 100 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol.

Providing a summary of achievements, the Commissioner stated that the Command recovered 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single-barrel and locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns, bringing the total number of firearms recovered to 144. He added that a total of ₦36 million ransom was recovered, 18 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 28 stolen vehicles were recovered.

CP Abaniwonda said the 627 suspects arrested include 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected cultists, and 62 suspects arrested for rape and defilement offences.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Commissioner assured residents of Delta State of heightened security before, during, and after the Yuletide season.

He commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and professionalism, as well as members of the media for their responsible reportage and partnership. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to provide credible information to the Police through the Command’s emergency control room numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.

CP Abaniwonda wished all Deltans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance, assuring that the Delta State Police Command remains fully prepared to ensure a safe and peaceful festive season.