THE report by the Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), detailing the arrest of 627 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, rapists, and cultists, alongside the recovery of 144 firearms and 6,930 rounds of ammunition between January and December 2025, is a welcome signal in the fight against crime and insecurity in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, further disclosed that within the period under review, 18 kidnapped victims were rescued, 28 stolen vehicles recovered, and about ₦36 million in ransom money retrieved. These achievements were complemented by isolated victories against drug abuse, including the arrest of 161 suspects in Ika South Local Government Area and the interception of a bus along the Asaba–Onitsha highway, where 109 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol were recovered.
Put in proper context, these figures translate to an average of 52 arrests monthly, the recovery of about 12 firearms, including pump-action guns, Beretta pistols and cut-to-size weapons, and approximately 577 rounds of ammunition every 30 days across the state’s 25 local government areas. While these statistics are encouraging, they also provide a lens through which to assess both the progress made and the gaps yet to be bridged.
A comparison with 2024, when the police reported the arrest of 670 crime suspects, reveals a 6.42 per cent decline in arrests in 2025. Though this reduction falls short of the ideal 30 per cent crime reduction benchmark, it is noteworthy that police operations have remained consistent. The recent arrest of 13 suspected cultists and the recovery of firearms in Ekraka Community Forest, Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area on December 20, 2025, attests to this sustained effort.
While commending the police for degrading the operational capacity of criminal elements in the state, we are not oblivious to persistent concerns surrounding human rights abuses by some state actors, particularly allegations of youth harassment and extrajudicial killings. These concerns inevitably evoke the painful memories of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, whose lessons must not be forgotten.
Equally troubling is the widely acknowledged contradiction between the official position that administrative bail is free and the reality in many police stations, where members of the public are often compelled to part with outrageous sums to secure bail, even for minor offences. Bail must not be commodified. This practice not only erodes public trust but also undermines the integrity of the police institution.
There is also the urgent need for improved synergy among security agencies. Incidents such as the confrontation between police and naval officers in Warri on February 11, 2025, are regrettable and must not recur. Security agencies are partners, not rivals, in the collective quest for public safety.
Furthermore, while acknowledging the Delta State Command’s modest efforts to strengthen police-community relations through initiatives such as the 2025 Customer Service Week, school outreach programs, community engagement, and regular media interactions, the public’s perception of the police remains largely negative. More sustained and people-centred engagement is required to bridge this trust deficit.
The issue of delayed response to distress calls also deserves urgent attention. Citizens expect prompt intervention in emergencies, yet many continue to express disappointment over perceived foot-dragging by the police in critical situations. A responsive police force is as important as a visible one.
That said, the challenges confronting the police are real. With an estimated police-to-citizen ratio of about one officer to more than 650 citizens, Nigeria falls short of the United Nations’ recommended standard. Comparatively, the United States has about one police officer to about 400 citizens, while South Africa maintains roughly one officer to every 427 citizens. This reality underscores the urgent need for sustained recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force, a move the Federal Government is considering.
Improved funding is equally critical. Adequate provision of patrol vehicles, modern equipment, arms, uniforms, and welfare incentives is essential to boosting morale and operational efficiency. In this regard, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State deserves commendation for supporting the state police command.
As the year draws to a close, we look forward to a safer and more secure Delta State. This aspiration, however, requires collective responsibility. The police must continue to reform, while citizens must support lawful policing efforts. Only through such mutual commitment can a truly safe society be achieved.
