The Delta State Police Command has intensified intelligence-led operations across the state, recording several breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, has said.
Speaking during his maiden Officers’ Conference, Adesola said he had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to sustain aggressive raids on criminal hideouts and black spots within their areas of responsibility.
“During my maiden Officers’ Conference, I directed all commanders to sustain the ongoing raids of criminal hideouts and black spots in their respective areas,” the police commissioner said. “I also admonished them to remain resolute in the discharge of their primary duties, which include the protection of lives and property, the maintenance of law and order, and the promotion of public safety.”
He stressed that professionalism and respect for citizens remain non-negotiable, warning that while the Command would not tolerate criminality, it would also deal decisively with any officer found wanting.
“I have charged all commanders to continually lecture and sensitise their men on the need to be civil, courteous and professional in their interactions with members of the public,” Adesola said. “While the Command will not tolerate criminality, it will also deal decisively with any erring officer who brings the Force into disrepute.”
Highlighting operational successes recorded within the period under review, the Commissioner disclosed that operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence on January 17, 2026, raided a suspected cultist’s hideout in a bush in Ughelli town. He said the suspects engaged the police team in a gun duel before fleeing with gunshot injuries.
“One of the suspects was arrested with serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment,” he said, adding that a Beretta pistol and four rounds of live ammunition were recovered, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects.
In another operation, Adesola said a planned kidnap was foiled on January 11, 2026, when CP-SAT operatives, working with community vigilantes, cordoned off a criminal hideout along the Upper Agbarho area of Ughelli North Local Government Area.
“Upon sighting the police operatives, the suspects opened fire, but our men responded with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their weapons,” he said. Recovered items included an FNC rifle with live ammunition and a pump-action gun with 32 cartridges.
The police boss also reported the arrest of a suspected cultist and armed robber on January 10, 2026, during a confidence-building patrol at Hausa Market, Ubeji. According to him, one Gift Ojulowo, 30, was arrested after attempting to flee, and a locally fabricated gun with two live cartridges was recovered from him.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity,” Adesola said, noting that investigations were ongoing.
On January 19, 2026, operatives of the Raiders Unit, acting on a tip-off, arrested two suspected armed robbers, including one Odinaka David, at Isheagu. A double-barrelled gun and six rounds of live cartridges were recovered, while investigations continued.
The same day, the Raiders Unit also arrested a suspected drug peddler, Joy Ezeni, 45, at Ogwashi-Uku, recovering about 100 wraps of weed suspected to be “loud,” a potent strain of cannabis.
Earlier, on January 8, 2026, police operatives arrested one Obi Onuigbi Ndubuoso, 43, and recovered 36 bottles of nitrous oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas,” in a continued clampdown on illicit drug circulation.
Adesola further confirmed the arrest of a murder suspect in Ogwashi-Uku following a report that a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death while asleep along Poly Road near Adaigbo Filling Station.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was allegedly stabbed by his brother, Aliyu Haman, after taking substances suspected to be illicit drugs,” he said. The suspect was arrested, and the weapon used was recovered.
Providing a statistical summary of achievements from January 8 to date, the Commissioner said 11 firearms and 80 rounds of ammunition and cartridges were recovered. He added that 11 murder suspects, 13 suspected cultists and one rape or defilement suspect were arrested, while one vehicle was recovered.
Expressing concern over the rising cases of murder and drug abuse among youths, Adesola described the Ogwashi-Uku killing as avoidable.
“The suspect is a chronic drug addict, and under the influence of drugs, he stabbed and killed his brother for no just cause,” he said. “The Command under my leadership will not relent in the fight against the sale and abuse of illicit drugs. I have ordered massive raids across the 25 local government areas of Delta State to bring down all drug cartels.”
In his concluding remarks, the Commissioner assured residents of improved security across the state, while appreciating the Delta State Government for its continued support.
“I urge members of the public to support and cooperate with the State Government and the Police in the fight against crime and criminality,” he said.
