The Delta State Police Command has recorded a series of decisive breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime, cultism, and illicit drug trafficking across Asaba and surrounding areas.
The coordinated operations, which took place between October 1 and 3, 2025, led to multiple arrests, the recovery of firearms, and the interception of a major drug consignment.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, the operations were carried out by teams from the ‘B’ Division, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and the Eagle Net Special Squad (ENSS), all acting on actionable intelligence and in collaboration with local stakeholders.
In the first operation on October 1, operatives from ‘B’ Division, Asaba, led by Divisional Police Officer, CSP Edewor Akponegware, responded swiftly to a distress call from a robbery victim near the BONSAAC axis of the city.
The female victim had been dispossessed of her phone and other valuables at gunpoint by two men.
With the support of local vigilantes, the officers conducted a discreet sweep of the area, which resulted in the arrest of one suspect, identified as Amara Nwako, a 21-year-old from Oko community.
A locally made pistol was recovered at the scene. Preliminary investigations linked Nwako to a secret cult group known as “Arobaga.” Police say efforts are ongoing to track down his fleeing accomplice.
In a separate operation on October 2, the Eagle Net Special Squad, under the command of SP Danyaya Yunusa, intercepted a truck suspected of conveying illicit drugs.
Acting on credible intelligence and working in conjunction with the office of the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Illicit Drugs and Human Trafficking, the operatives stopped a truck with registration number 3BGT 18LG along the Asaba route.
The driver, Dennis Uruma, 52, from Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State, was arrested after a search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The police confirmed that counting and analysis of the seized exhibits are currently ongoing to ascertain the full scope of the haul.
Barely 24 hours later, on October 3, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), led by CSP Nosa Alex, stormed a suspected criminal hideout near the Basket Market area of Asaba following intelligence reports of armed gang activities in the vicinity.
The raid led to the arrest of three suspects, Rabbi Godwin (25), Lucky Nanakumo (20), and David Igwe (19).
A search of the premises yielded a fabricated Beretta pistol, which was recovered as an exhibit.
Police sources said the suspects are being interrogated, and more arrests are expected as the investigation widens.
Reacting to the series of operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the officers for their professionalism and tactical precision.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its “zero tolerance policy” against cultism, armed robbery, and drug trafficking in the state.
Abaniwonda said, “Delta State will not be a safe haven for criminal elements.
“We are determined to dismantle their networks, recover weapons, and interrupt the flow of drugs that endanger our youth and communities.”
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible information that could assist law enforcement efforts.
He assures the people that the Command will intensify collaboration with local vigilantes, government agencies, and community groups to sustain peace and public safety across the state.
The statement also reaffirmed that all suspects remain in custody and will be charged in court upon the completion of investigations.
