Asaba, NIGERIA — The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, has reported a series of significant breakthroughs in its ongoing battle against crime over the past two months. This period has seen a marked enhancement in crime prevention, with substantial successes in suspect arrests and the recovery of illegal firearms and narcotics.
Seizures and Arrests Highlight
On September 4, 2024, a pivotal operation on Okwe Road in Asaba led to the interception of a vehicle abandoned by suspects who fled upon the sight of law enforcement. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered three locally made cut-to-size guns, one pump action gun, and three live cartridges. This seizure not only underscores the police command’s robust surveillance and swift response capabilities but also highlights the command’s dedication to disrupting illegal armaments trafficking.
In a dramatic rescue operation on August 31, 2024, the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad successfully freed two individuals from captivity in Umunede Forest. The kidnappers, facing the imminent approach of police, abandoned their victims and fled, leaving behind a Dane gun and ten live cartridges. This operation demonstrates the squad’s efficiency and tactical acumen in tackling kidnapping incidents.
On August 13, 2024, a planned kidnapping during a graduation ceremony at Delta State Polytechnic Oghara was successfully thwarted by police. During the operation, authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, an English pump action gun, and a locally made cut-to-size gun. This incident reflects the command’s vigilance and readiness to address high-risk scenarios and protect public events \nfrom criminal activities.
Major Disruptions to Criminal Networks
A noteworthy achievement came on August 14, 2024, when police apprehended six suspects in possession of ₦2,344,000 in ransom money and suspected stolen phones. This significant bust disrupted an ongoing kidnapping ring and exemplified the command’s success in tracing and recovering ransom funds linked to criminal activities.
The combat against violent crime has also seen tragic outcomes. On August 12, 2024, police engaged in a shootout with a suspected kidnapper, Joel Ochuko Ofoye, in Ughelli South Local Government Area. The confrontation resulted in Ofoye’s death and the recovery of two pump action guns and a Beretta pistol. This incident underscores the high-stakes nature of police operations in combating violent crime and ensuring public safety.
In the ongoing battle against cultist activities, on August 14, 2024, police in Oghara arrested two individuals believed to be members of the Arrow Barger Confraternity. The suspects were found with a locally made gun and six live cartridges. This operation highlights the command’s relentless efforts to dismantle cultist groups and curb their criminal activities.
Investigations and Crackdowns
In a high-profile case, Delta State police on August 11, 2024, made significant progress by arresting suspects linked to a high-profile kidnapping involving a ₦5,000,000 ransom transfer. A Beretta pistol was recovered during this operation, with ongoing efforts to capture additional gang members involved in the crime.
The fight against cult-related violence saw further progress on August 5, 2024, when police conducted a raid in Ofuoma, leading to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of three locally made cut-to-size guns, a battle axe, twelve cartridges, and other items. This operation demonstrates the command’s commitment to addressing the menace of cultist activities and enhancing public safety.
Earlier in the summer, on July 28, 2024, a routine stop-and-search operation on Asaba-Kwale Road led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and fifty-eight rounds of ammunition from a vehicle abandoned by its driver. Additional firearm recoveries in separate incidents included two pump action guns and sixteen cartridges on July 25, 2024, and six locally made guns in other operations, illustrating the command’s proactive stance on curbing illegal firearm possession.
On July 26, 2024, police arrested Akeni College in Ekpan, who was found with a Beretta pistol, two revolver pistols, and six locally made guns. This arrest highlights the command’s continued vigilance in addressing armed robbery and related crimes.
The Delta State Police Command also made strides in tackling drug trafficking. On July 25, 2024, Jammed Abdulahi Shola was apprehended with three hundred and twenty packs of codeine, one hundred and twenty-five sachets of tramadol, and other hard drugs. This seizure underscores the command’s ongoing efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and reduce drug-related crime.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeal
In a related development, the Command is investigating the murder of Sam in Adagbrasa Ugolo by an interim chairman, who remains at large. Commissioner Olufemi has directed a manhunt for the suspect and has emphasized the importance of seeking legal redress over resorting to self-help or jungle justice.
These achievements reflect a significant effort by the Delta State Police Command to enhance public safety and mitigate criminal activities across the region. The command continues to urge the public to support law enforcement efforts by reporting criminal activities, thereby contributing to the success of these operations and the overall safety of the community.