The Delta State Police Command has arrested 106 suspects in connection with various crimes in the state during the first quarter of the year.

A breakdown of the arrests showed that 35 persons were apprehended for armed robbery, 24 for kidnapping, 21 for murder, 22 for cultism, while four suspects were linked to defilement.

The command said it has continued to make Delta State a difficult environment for criminals through proactive and intelligence-driven policing.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, stated that the command also recovered 11 AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, nine Beretta pistols, 19 single-barrel and cut-to-size guns, 13 pump-action guns, 5,612 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, as well as 14 vehicles. Additionally, 13 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Abaniwonda disclosed that members of the syndicate responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents in Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Issele-Uku, Ubuluku and surrounding areas were killed in a gun duel with operatives of the command.

Following the kidnapping of a medical doctor and a driver at Issele-Uku on April 6, 2025, and their release on April 7 after a ransom payment of N15 million, the commissioner directed the CP Special Assignment Team to conduct an intelligence-led investigation.

“On April 10, 2025, the team arrested Abubakar Usman, popularly known as Shehu, the gang leader responsible for multiple kidnappings in Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Ubuluku and nearby communities. He confessed to various crimes, including the kidnap of a realtor, Esther Ojoh, at Ibusa. During a raid on their hideout on March 25, 2025, a gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of four suspects, including Usman Abubakar.

“Three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered,” he said.

The commissioner expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government, sister security agencies, and the people of Delta State for their continued support.

He emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining public safety and urged Deltans to report any suspicious activity to the police. He also provided contact numbers for reporting suspicious persons or movements and encouraged sustained collaboration to keep Delta State safe for all.