Emmanuel lkpeama
The Delta State Police Command has announced major successes in its fight against crime, revealing multiple arrests, rescue operations, firearm recoveries and the successful prosecution of 205 criminal cases in the first quarter of 2026.
Speaking during a press briefing in Asaba on April 28, 2026, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, said the command has intensified proactive and intelligence-led policing, making the state increasingly difficult for criminal elements to operate.
According to him, between February and April 2026, the command made significant progress against kidnapping, armed robbery, human trafficking and drug-related crimes.
The Police Commissioner disclosed that operatives of the tactical team based in Ughelli arrested two suspected kidnappers on April 24. The suspects, Ahmadu Usman, 22, and Haruna Abdullahi, 37, were allegedly linked to a gang terrorising commuters along the Ughelli-Warri Road.
He said one AK-47 rifle loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was recovered during the operation.
In another intelligence-led mission on April 9, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, working alongside the military, stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along Obulu-Uku Power Line following abduction reports in Ibusa and Ogwashi-Uku.
Investigator news reports that two female victims were rescued, while three suspects were fatally wounded during an exchange of fire. Police also recovered one AK-47 rifle, 19 rounds of ammunition and N4.5 million suspected to be ransom money.
The command further rescued three kidnapped victims in Issele-Uku after a coordinated operation involving security agencies, vigilantes and hunters. One suspect was neutralised and another AK-47 rifle was recovered.
CP Oyeniyi went further to state that two suspected armed robbers, Yushua Buhari, 19, and Garba Muazu, 25, were arrested in Imo State over robbery incidents in Okpanam, Asaba and surrounding communities.
Recovered items included 17 sophisticated mobile phones and laptops allegedly stolen from victims.
The command also arrested two female suspects, Blessing Mongo, 47, and Esther, 32, over the alleged trafficking of a 19-year-old girl to Ivory Coast for prostitution.
According to police findings, the victim later returned to Nigeria and discovered her womb had allegedly been removed without her consent. The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe.
The police boss further revealed that officers of the Safer Highway Patrol intercepted illicit substances hidden inside energy-saving bulbs in a commercial bus heading to Abuja.
Recovered exhibits included 490 grams of suspected cocaine, cannabis and other banned substances.
CP Oyeniyi stated that from January 2026 to date, the command charged 455 cases to court, successfully prosecuted 205 cases, while 250 others remain ongoing in courts across Delta State’s 25 local government areas.
He commissioner warned criminal elements that the command would remain relentless in tackling crime and criminality.
He also cautioned land grabbers and individuals using violence in civil disputes, stressing that the police would not tolerate lawlessness.
CP Oyeniyi thanked the Inspector General of Police, Delta State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society groups, the media and residents for their support and urged the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies.