ASABA/Nigeria: The Commissioner of Police for Delta State, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, has commended the command’s achievements from July 25 to date, detailing several high-profile operations aimed at curbing criminal activities across the state.
During a press briefing in Asaba, the Commissioner highlighted the drastic reduction in kidnapping and armed robbery cases, crediting increased patrols and strategic deployments across local governments.
In anticipation of a potential rise in crime during the ember months, the commissioner announced an operational directive issued to area commanders and tactical teams. This according to him, will ensure heightened visibility policing and the raiding of criminal hideouts to maintain the command’s momentum in fighting crime.
He further urged the public to trust the police and promptly report suspicious activities.
“In a major breakthrough on September 4, undercover police in Asaba recovered three locally made cut-to-size guns, a pump-action gun, and live cartridges from a suspicious vehicle. Although the suspects fled, investigations are ongoing” he said.
“On August 31, two kidnapping victims held in a forest near Umunede were rescued following a sting operation by the anti-kidnapping squad. The kidnappers fled as police closed in, leaving behind a Dane gun and ammunition”.
“During a foiled kidnapping at Delta State Polytechnic’s graduation ceremony on August 13, operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, an English pump-action gun, and locally made firearms.”
“The suspects, who had planned to abduct guests, escaped with gunshot wounds, and efforts to apprehend them continue”.
“A significant arrest on August 12 saw operatives recovers over two million naira from suspected kidnappers travelling in a tricycle. The money, believed to be ransom paid by previous victims, was seized along with stolen phones”.
“A suspected kidnapper, Joel Ochuko Ofoye, who led police to the hideout of an arms supplier, died during a gun battle between his gang and law enforcement. Police recovered a Beretta pistol, pump-action gun, and locally fabricated weapons from the scene”.
“Additionally, suspected cultists were arrested on August 14 in Oghara, and a search revealed a locally made gun and live cartridges. On August 5, police raided a cult meeting in Ogbovwan Community, recovering weapons, including battle axes and cartridges”.
“On July 28, police recovered two AK-47 rifles and 58 rounds of ammunition after intercepting a vehicle in Asaba. The suspects fled the scene, but a manhunt is ongoing”.
“Another operation in Ughelli North on July 25 resulted in the death of a suspected kidnapper after a gunfight with police. Two pump-action guns and live cartridges were recovered”.
He stated that the command also recorded the arrest of armed robbers, cultists, and illicit drug dealers.
“On July 26, police seized multiple firearms, including Beretta and revolver pistols, during a raid in Ekpan”.
“In separate operations, an AK-47 rifle, and ammunition were recovered from an abandoned bag in Asaba, and two pump-action guns were seized from a vehicle along Kwale Road”.
“In a recent drug bust, police intercepted a vehicle on the Asaba-Agbor expressway, recovering large quantities of codeine and tramadol, with the suspect now in custody”.
The Commissioner stated that the Command’s achievements include the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, 138 rounds of ammunition, eight pump-action guns, and five Beretta pistols since July 25.
CP Olufemi expressed gratitude for the continued support from the public and reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across Delta State.
