Security efforts in Delta State have intensified as the Police Command confirmed the remand of 18 individuals accused of dealing in illicit drugs and the recovery of firearms in a separate operation targeting cult-related activities.






According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the suspects were arrested during a series of targeted raids carried out by the Buffalo Unit in various locations across Asaba, the state capital. The coordinated operations—focused on areas notorious for drug activity, including the Play-Learn axis, Sweet Spirit neighborhood, and Pinnacle Junction—followed weeks of intelligence gathering.





All 18 suspects were arraigned before a competent court on December 5, 2025, and subsequently ordered to be remanded in prison custody pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions. Those charged include:





Wisdom Nwanze (38), Godspower Vincent (25), Trust Bobua (17), David Mifford (21), Friday Daniel (35), Emmanuel Dakuru (25), Innatji Ekenea (27), Umar Isah (22), Samuel Hosanna (31), Rabiu Abubakar (31), Dada Usman (22), Dada Usman (20), Danjuma Jonathan (31), Onyeka Solomon (16), Garba Abdullaman (20), Rolniho Paul (26), Abwal Clarius (30), and Aliyu Abububarka (22).







SP Edafe noted that the crackdown reflects the Command’s renewed resolve to reduce drug distribution networks and the rising trend of substance abuse across the state.







In a related development, officers of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, carried out an intelligence-driven operation in Abraka on December 6, 2025. Acting on credible information, the operatives searched the residence of 67-year-old Isiakpere Friday at Umeghe Community. The operation led to the recovery of two pump-action rifles and 39 live cartridges.






The suspect was taken into custody as investigators work to uncover potential connections to cult groups, illegal arms dealers, and other criminal syndicates within the region.







Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the teams involved in both operations, describing the successes as clear evidence of the Command’s strengthened intelligence-led policing strategy. He emphasized that the Police will continue to clamp down on drug trafficking, cultism, arms smuggling, and all forms of criminality that threaten public safety.







He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts by providing reliable information that could help dismantle criminal networks in the state.