Delta police arrest 106 suspects, foil kidnaps, recover cache of weapons

In a major crackdown on criminality, the Delta State Police Command has arrested 106 suspects linked to various serious offences within the first quarter of 2025.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Asaba, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed that the arrests included 35 suspected armed robbers, 24 suspected kidnappers, 21 murder suspects, and 22 suspected cultists.

He revealed that the suspects were involved in crimes ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, and cultism to rape and defilement. The police also rescued 13 kidnapped victims and recovered 14 stolen vehicles, 5,612 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, eleven AK-47 rifles, nine Beretta pistols, 19 locally-made cut-to-size guns, 13 pump-action guns, and a G-3 rifle.

Highlighting a major breakthrough, CP Abaniwonda recounted the arrest of one Abubakar Usman, popularly known as “Shehu”—a notorious gang leader behind several abductions in Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Ubuluku and surrounding areas. The suspect was allegedly responsible for the abduction of a medical doctor at Issele-Uku on 6th April 2025, who was released after a ransom of ₦15 million was paid.

“Acting on intelligence, operatives of the CP’s Special Assignment Team apprehended Usman on 10th April 2025. He confessed to multiple kidnappings, including the gruesome killing of Mr Godwin Anuka before abducting his wife and daughter, and the abduction and murder of a realtor, Esther Ojoh,” the CP revealed.

Following his confession, police operatives stormed a forest hideout between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba. During a combing operation, Usman attempted to escape and alerted his gang members, triggering a fierce gun battle. Four suspects, including Usman, sustained critical gunshot injuries and were later confirmed dead at Ogwashi-Uku General Hospital. The operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

In another successful operation, five suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gunfight with police around the Ughelli axis. Acting on intelligence, operatives arrested one Adamu Abubakar, alias ‘Dogo,’ at DSC Roundabout, Warri. His interrogation led to the arrest of two accomplices, Abubakar Mohammed (‘Chede’) and Mohammed Bellow, at Otovwodo Park in Ughelli North.

The suspects guided police to Iyamugo forest, where a cache of weapons—including an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, three locally-made firearms, two magazines, and over 70 rounds of live ammunition—was recovered. Upon exiting the forest, the team was ambushed by suspected gang members. Five attackers sustained gunshot wounds and died while receiving medical treatment.

Commissioner Abaniwonda reiterated the importance of public support in combating crime. “Security is everyone’s responsibility. We urge the public to continue partnering with the police by reporting suspicious activities,” he said.

He assured residents that the Command under his leadership remains committed to making Delta State a safe and secure place for all.

Ifeoma Nwovu