ASABA — In a bold crackdown on crime, the Delta State Police Command has arrested 80 suspects involved in armed robbery and other criminal activities across the state in the month of August 2025. This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Asaba.
The Command’s achievements, CP Abaniwonda stated that during the month-long operation, the police recovered:
- 31 firearms
- 86 rounds of ammunition and cartridges
- 50 laptops and mobile phones
He assured residents that the state is becoming increasingly “hostile for criminals”, crediting the visible results to intensified patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, and swift intelligence gathering.
“Deltans can attest to the fact that in recent times, the state has become very hot for criminals. The command under my watch will not relent. We will continue to go after criminally minded individuals and ensure they are brought to justice,” Abaniwonda affirmed.
Giving details of specific operations, the CP revealed that on August 16, 2025, at about 5:11 a.m., operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) stopped a suspect named Bassey (39) during a routine search along DBS Road, Asaba. A search of his cross bag led to the recovery of an English Beretta pistol. Investigations revealed that Bassey is part of a notorious burglary syndicate, and had purchased the firearm for ₦30,000.
In a related operation, a Police patrol team attached to Eagle-Net Special Squad intercepted a Toyota Sienna (Plate No. ASB-615-YF) driven by a 58-year-old suspect along the Asaba-Ibusa Road. A search of the vehicle revealed 75 rounds of live cartridges hidden beneath the driver’s seat. The suspect was immediately arrested and is currently under investigation.
