By: Ike Philip Abiagom
The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained fight against crime, including the recovery of 11 firearms, assorted ammunition, and the arrest of several suspects linked to murder, cultism, armed robbery and drug trafficking across the state.
The Commissioner of Police disclosed this while briefing journalists on recent achievements of the Command, noting that intensified intelligence-led operations, raids on criminal hideouts and collaboration with local vigilante groups have continued to yield positive results.
According to him, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders were earlier directed to sustain aggressive raids of criminal black spots, while officers were also reminded to remain professional, civil and courteous in their dealings with the public.
He warned that while the Command has zero tolerance for criminality, any officer found wanting would be decisively dealt with.
One of the major breakthroughs occurred on January 17, 2026, at Ughelli, when operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence, stormed a bush where suspected cultists were gathered. The suspects reportedly engaged the police in a gun duel before fleeing with gunshot injuries. One suspect, who sustained serious injuries, was arrested and rushed to hospital, where he later died. A Beretta pistol and four rounds of live ammunition were recovered. Efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects are ongoing.In another operation on January 11, 2026, CP-SAT operatives, in collaboration with community vigilantes, foiled a planned kidnap at an uncompleted building along Upper Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area. Six suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the operatives but were overpowered and fled, abandoning their weapons. Recovered exhibits included an FNC rifle with one round of live ammunition and a pump-action gun loaded with 32 cartridges.
On January 10, 2026, operatives of Ekpan Division arrested a suspected cultist and armed robber, identified as Gift Ojulowo, 30, during a confidence-building patrol at Hausa Market, Ubeji. A locally fabricated gun and two live cartridges were recovered from him. The suspect later confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity.
Raiders Unit Records Multiple Arrests
On January 19, 2026, operatives of the Raiders Unit arrested two suspected armed robbers at Isheagu and recovered a double-barrelled gun and six rounds of live cartridges. The same unit also arrested a suspected drug peddler, Joy Ezeni, 45, at Ogwashi-Uku, with 100 wraps of weed suspected to be “Loud.”
Earlier, on January 8, 2026, the Raiders Unit arrested one Obi Onuigbi Ndubuoso, 43, and recovered 36 bottles of nitrous oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas,” suspected to be illicit substances.
The Command also confirmed the arrest of a murder suspect in Ogwashi-Uku following the stabbing to death of a 20-year-old man at Poly Road near Adaigbo Filling Station.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly stabbed by his younger brother, Aliyu Haman, also 20, after taking substances suspected to be illicit drugs. The suspect has been arrested, and the weapon used was recovered.
From January 8, 2026, to date, the Command recorded the recovery of 11 firearms and about 80 rounds of ammunition and cartridges. Arrests made include 11 murder suspects, 13 suspected cultists and one rape or defilement suspect, while one stolen vehicle was also recovered.
The Commissioner of Police expressed concern over the rising cases of murder and drug abuse among youths, describing the Ogwashi-Uku incident as avoidable. He vowed that the Command would intensify raids across the 25 local government areas of the state to dismantle drug cartels and curb the sale and abuse of illicit substances.
He assured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while appreciating the Delta State Government for its continuous support. He also called on members of the public to cooperate with security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality across the state.