The Delta State Police Command has arrested over 30 suspects for various crimes, including robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and murder, recovering 150 arms among them 32 AK-47 rifles.
The Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Asaba on Tuesday, providing updates on the Command’s operations since he assumed office in February 2024.
“These suspects were arrested in the past month,” Olufemi stated. “While we have faced challenges, the support of other security agencies, stakeholders, and the good people of Delta State has enabled us to restore peace to a reasonable extent.”
Among the cases highlighted was the tragic death of a 10-month-old baby, Prevail Jonathan, who was reported missing on December 4, 2024. Police later recovered the child’s body from a river in the Aviara community.
During the investigation, the mother, Blessing Ibuku, confessed to throwing the baby into the river on November 31, 2024, allegedly due to ridicule from friends over the child being fatherless.
“We are investigating further, but the suspect is already in custody,” Olufemi confirmed.
In another major operation, the Command responded to a distress call on November 27, 2024, regarding a kidnapping along DLA Road in Asaba. Four armed men in a Toyota Camry abducted a man and a woman, stealing one victim’s vehicle.
The Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad tracked the suspects to the Asaba-Benin Expressway. Though the victims were released, the suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled into a nearby bush upon sighting police operatives.
Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, one magazine, eight rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and 21 live cartridges hidden under the car’s engine.
Similarly, on December 2, 2024, the SAKCCS operatives, working with the Rapid Response Squad and Buffalo Squad, raided a suspected hideout near Anioma Market in Asaba.
Ten suspects believed to be behind robberies in Asaba, Okpanam, and Issele-Uku were arrested, with arms seized during the operation.
Another chilling case involved the arrest of one Destiny Lawrence, who confessed to being hired by a native doctor named Jonah from Otolokpo community.
Lawrence admitted to luring a young boy to an uncompleted building, where the native doctor allegedly slit the boy’s throat for N30,000.
Providing a comprehensive review of the Command’s achievements, CP Olufemi stated: “A total of 678 suspects have been arrested and 150 arms, including 32 AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, recovered. These successes show our resolve to combat crime and ensure the safety of every resident.”
He urged the public to continue supporting the police by sharing actionable intelligence. “The cooperation of citizens is vital in our fight against crime. Together, we can make Delta State safer for everyone.”
Residents and stakeholders praised the recent crackdown but called for sustained action. A community leader in Asaba remarked: “The police have done well, but these efforts must be consistent to truly restore peace.”
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring residents that the fight against criminal activities would not relent.
