The Delta State Police Command has announced a series of significant operational achievements, including the arrest of two key suspects in the murder of a retired high court judge and the recovery of a substantial cache of firearms and ammunition.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed the progress at a recent press briefing, emphasising the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing.
He noted that the Command has adopted a “proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing strategy,” working closely with sister security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain targeted operations against criminal networks.
The Command reported a breakthrough in the investigation into the gruesome murder of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd), who was killed on November 24, 2025, at her residence.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Homicide Section of the State CID, Asaba, arrested the deceased’s security guard, Godwin Mngumi, male, 25 years old, on December 6, 2025. Mngumi was allegedly found with one of the late Justice’s mobile phones.
“Upon interrogation, he made a voluntary confession and admitted to inviting his accomplice, Nnaji Obalum, male, 21 years old, to perpetrate the crime,” the CP confirmed. “The suspects confessed that on 23rd November 2025 at about 2130hrs, they, alongside a third suspect currently at large, entered the home of the deceased, tied her with a rope and cloth, and murdered her. They thereafter stole her valuables, including two phones and a wristwatch, which they disposed of for a meagre sum.”
One of the stolen phones has been recovered in Asaba, and the investigation remains ongoing to apprehend the third suspect.
The police commissioner highlighted several other key operational successes: The police recorded three specific major recoveries and arrests. First, a Suspected Kidnapper was neutralised: On December 1, 2025, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) and community volunteers engaged suspected kidnappers in the Obiaruku forest.
One suspect was killed during the ensuing gun battle, and an AK-47 rifle with forty-two (42) rounds of live ammunition, mobile phones, and charms were recovered.
Second, Armed Robbery Suspects were arrested: Coordinated operations between November 28 and 29, 2025, led to the arrest of three suspects, Kelvin Oke (42), Victor Oyaye (26, gang leader), and Monday Emakpo (31), linked to armed robbery and cultism across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele.
Recoveries included two stolen tricycles, a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges, and a locally fabricated Beretta pistol. Third, Weapons were seized in Abraka: Following an intelligence-led operation in Abraka, a 67-year-old suspect, Isiakpere Friday, was arrested, and the police recovered two (2) pump-action guns and Thirty-nine (39) live cartridges from his residence.
The Command also intensified its efforts against drug abuse and distribution. On December 10, 2025, a massive raid led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Agbor, Ika South LGA, resulted in the arrest of one hundred and sixty-one (161) suspects (110 males, 51 females).
A large quantity of illicit drugs, including Nigerian Loud, Canadian Loud, CSC Codeine, Ice, and sachets of Tramadol, was recovered. Additionally, on December 13, 2025, a bus search at the Asaba head bridge yielded one hundred and nine (109) bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol, with suspects promptly arrested.
CP Olufemi provided a detailed breakdown of the Command’s overall performance for the year under review, demonstrating a significant impact on criminal elements.
| Category | Total Figures |
| Total Firearms Recovered | 144 |
| AK-47/AK-49 Rifles | 27 |
| Beretta Pistols | 25 |
| Single-barrel/cut-to-size guns | 56 |
| Pump Action Guns | 36 |
| Ammunition/Cartridges Recovered | 6,930 |
| Ransom Recovered | #36,000,000 |
| Total Suspects Arrested | 627 |
| Suspected Armed Robbers | 140 |
| Suspected Kidnappers | 113 |
| Murder Suspects | 125 |
| Suspected Cultists | 187 |
| Rape/Defilement Suspects | 62 |
| Kidnapped Victims Rescued | 18 |
| Recovered Vehicles | 28 |
“In line with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a safe, peaceful, and crime-free environment across the country, I have directed officers and men of the Delta State Police Command to remain proactive, professional, and fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the State,” the Commissioner asserted.
He concluded by commending his officers, the press, and the law-abiding citizens for their cooperation and urged the public to remain vigilant as the Yuletide season approaches.
The Police Command provided the following emergency control room numbers for the public: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.
