The Delta State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 627 criminal suspects, including 161 persons linked to drug trafficking and abuse, between January 2025 and December 2025.

Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Asaba, where he presented the Command’s operational achievements for the year.

According to the Police boss, the arrests were recorded through intelligence-led and community-centred policing strategies, carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups and community stakeholders across the state.

A breakdown of the arrests showed that 140 suspects were arrested for armed robbery, 113 for kidnapping, 125 for murder-related offences, 187 for cult-related activities, and 62 suspects for rape and defilement.

The Command also successfully rescued 18 kidnapped victims and recovered 28 stolen vehicles within the period under review.

On drug enforcement, CP Olufemi revealed that a major crackdown conducted on December 10, 2025, led to the arrest of 161 drug-linked suspects, comprising 110 males and 51 females, at a notorious drug distribution hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

The operation resulted in the recovery of large quantities of illicit substances, including Canadian Loud, Nigerian Loud, codeine syrup, Tramadol and Ice.

He added that operatives of the Buffalo Tactical Team also intercepted an Asaba–Onitsha commercial bus on December 13, 2025, recovering 109 bottles of codeine and cartons of Tramadol, with suspects arrested on the spot.

Beyond arrests, the Commissioner said the Command significantly weakened criminal networks through the recovery of 144 firearms, including 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 locally fabricated single-barrel guns, and 36 pump-action guns, as well as 6,930 rounds of ammunition. A total of ₦36 million ransom was also recovered from kidnappers.

CP Olufemi attributed the successes to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to sustain proactive policing nationwide, assuring residents that the Command remains fully prepared to guarantee security throughout the festive season.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information, while commending officers, community leaders and the media for their cooperation.