ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded a string of major operational successes in its ongoing offensive against violent crime, with the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and traffickers, alongside the recovery of firearms, illicit drugs and ransom money across key flashpoints in the state.
Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, who disclosed this while presenting the Command’s operational scorecard, said the strategy of intelligence-driven and proactive policing has significantly disrupted criminal networks and made the state increasingly hostile for offenders.
According to the police boss, recent operations led to the arrest of suspected members of kidnapping syndicates in Ughelli, with the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 36 rounds of live ammunition, while further intelligence efforts resulted in additional arrests linked to the same network.
In another coordinated operation involving the military, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad rescued two abducted victims after a gun duel with suspects along the Obulu-Uku axis. The operation also yielded one AK-47 rifle, 19 rounds of ammunition and N4.5 million believed to be ransom proceeds, while some suspects were fatally wounded during the exchange.
The Command also confirmed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Issele-Uku following a joint operation with local vigilantes and hunters, with another AK-47 rifle recovered from the scene.
On armed robbery, police operatives, working with counterparts in Imo State, arrested two suspects linked to a string of burglary and robbery incidents in Asaba and Okpanam, recovering several stolen mobile phones and laptops. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
In a major breakthrough on gender-based crime, the Command arrested two suspected traffickers in connection with a disturbing case involving a 19-year-old victim allegedly trafficked to Ivory Coast, where she was subjected to organ removal without consent. The suspects are currently in custody, with the matter under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The Command also recorded success in its fight against drug trafficking, intercepting substances suspected to be cocaine concealed in energy-saving bulbs along the Onicha-Ugbo/Ewohimi Road. Other exhibits recovered include cannabis and related substances believed to be destined for distribution outside the state.
On prosecution, the police disclosed that from January 2026 to date, a total of 455 cases have been charged to court, with 205 successfully prosecuted, while 250 cases remain pending across various courts in the state.
Reaffirming the Command’s stance, the Commissioner of Police stressed that discipline, professionalism and accountability remain non-negotiable, warning that erring officers would face strict sanctions.
He also raised concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, vowing sustained operations to dismantle trafficking networks through strengthened collaboration with relevant agencies.
On land-related disputes, the Command clarified that while such matters are civil in nature, it would not tolerate any form of violence, urging parties to seek legal redress rather than resort to self-help.
The police boss called on residents to support security agencies with credible information, noting that collective vigilance remains key to sustaining peace and security across Delta State.
