By Lucky Uto
The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its first-quarter operations, arresting suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, human traffickers, and drug couriers while rescuing victims and recovering arms and illicit drugs across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this in Asaba while briefing journalists, noting that intelligence-led policing between February and April 2026 significantly disrupted criminal networks operating within and outside the state.
According to the Command, several kidnapping syndicates were dismantled in coordinated operations across Delta State.
On April 24, two suspects were arrested along the Ughelli–Warri and Warri–Sapele routes with an AK-47 rifle and 36 rounds of ammunition.
On April 9, a joint police–military operation along the Obulu-Uku axis led to the rescue of two abducted victims after a gun battle with kidnappers. Three suspects were killed during the encounter, while ₦4.5 million ransom money and an AK-47 rifle were recovered.
Similarly, on March 16 in Issele-Uku, three kidnapped victims were rescued in another joint operation involving police, military personnel, vigilantes, and hunters. One suspect was neutralized, and an AK-47 rifle was recovered.
The Command also arrested two suspected armed robbers linked to multiple burglaries in Asaba and surrounding areas.
The suspects were intercepted in Imo State during a stop-and-search operation with stolen electronics traced to victims in Delta State. Investigations revealed they operated a cross-state stolen goods syndicate.
Police further uncovered a disturbing human trafficking and alleged organ harvesting case involving a 19-year-old victim from Uvwie.
The victim was reportedly trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire under false pretenses and subjected to an unauthorized medical procedure that resulted in the removal of her womb.
She was later abandoned in Lagos before returning to Delta State. Two suspects have been arrested, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
In another operation, police intercepted about 490 grams of suspected cocaine concealed inside energy-saving bulbs along the Onicha-Ugbo/Ewohimi axis.
The drugs were allegedly en route to Abuja for distribution. Cannabis products were also recovered, and investigations are ongoing to track additional suspects.
The Command revealed that 455 cases were charged to court between January and April 2026, with 205 already prosecuted and 250 still ongoing across the state’s courts.
CP Oyeniyi reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism and discipline, warning officers against misconduct.
He also called for public cooperation, urging residents to provide credible intelligence while discouraging violence in land disputes, insisting that legal channels remain the only acceptable option.
He commended the Inspector General of Police, the Delta State Government, sister security agencies, traditional rulers, and residents for their support in ongoing security efforts across the state.
