The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi psc, has announced significant achievements in the ongoing fight against crime and criminality in the state.
Speaking at the first-quarter press briefing in Asaba on Wednesday, the Police Commissioner disclosed that the Command’s proactive and intelligence-led policing approach has led to the arrest of over 100 criminal suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.
Among the highlights of the Command’s operations is the dismantling of a deadly kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for a series of abductions across Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Issele-Uku, Ubulu – Uku, and environs.
According him, four members of the syndicate, including their leader, Abubakar Usman, alias “Shehu,” were neutralized during a gun duel with police operatives in a forest between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba. Three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
In another major breakthrough, operatives arrested a 55-year-old suspected gun runner, Peter James, along the Warri-Benin road. Hidden in his modified vehicle were three AK-47 rifles and a staggering 3,120 rounds of ammunition.
He added that a 69-year-old man and his 17-year-old accomplice were also caught transporting seven pump-action guns and 1,600 cartridges disguised as palm oil and garri traders.
“The Command also made notable arrests of cultists, car snatchers, and kidnappers in coordinated operations across Delta, Kogi, and Rivers States. A total of 53 firearms were recovered during the quarter, including 11 AK-47 rifles, 9 Beretta pistols, 19 locally fabricated firearms, 13 pump-action guns, and one G-3 rifle.
“A total of 5,612 rounds of ammunition and cartridges were seized, and 14 stolen vehicles were recovered,” he said.
According to CP Abaniwonda, 13 kidnapped victims were safely rescued, while 106 suspects were arrested. These include 35 suspected armed robbers, 24 kidnappers, 21 murder suspects, 22 cultists, and 4 individuals arrested for rape and defilement.
The CP, however, praised the collaborative efforts of sister security agencies, the Delta State Government, and community stakeholders. He called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, noting, “Security is everybody’s business. Together, we can keep Delta State safe for all.”
For reports and emergencies, the Command urged the public to contact the control room via the following numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600 or 08025666914.
