RESIDENTS of Sapele Local Government Area, have commended the Delta State Police Command for what they described as significant progress in the fight against violent crime, cultism, and the circulation of illegal firearms across the state.
They attributed the improved security outlook to the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP OlufemiAbaniwonda, and the intensified operations conducted in recent weeks.
Their appreciation follows the successful intelligence led operation carried out by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), ASP Julius Robinson, in Abraka on December 6, 2025.
During the raid at No. 2 Umeghe Community, operatives arrested a 67-year-old suspect and recovered two pump-action guns along with 35 live cartridges. The Command said the investigation is ongoing to determine any connections the suspect may have to wider criminal networks.
A resident, who preferredanonymity , also expressed gratitude to the Command for the arrest of 25-year-old Godwin Mngumi, the prime suspect in the killing of retired Justice IfeomaOkogwu. Mngumi was apprehended on December 6 following an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Homicide Section.
The arrest occurred weeks after the suspect had been declared wanted, and additional accomplices have since been traced by investigators.
They described the swift breakthrough as evidence that the Police are actively committed to solving major cases affecting the state. They noted that the development not only brings relief to the family of the late Justice but also reassures the public that violent crimes will be thoroughly investigated.
Mr. Lawrence Ebi, a trader in Sapele, said the operation demonstrated “clear commitment and professionalism” on the part of the Police.
According to him, residents have noticed improved vigi lance and quicker responses to security threats over the past months. “What ASP Julius Robinson and his team achieved is something the entire state should be proud of.
‘’These recoveries show that the police are actively disrupting the operations of those who threaten peace,” he said.
Another resident, Mrs. Viola Oghenetega, praised the efforts of CP Abaniwonda, noting that the Command’s strategic focus on intelligence driven policing is yielding positive results.
She added that such decisive actions have helped rebuild community confidence in law enforcement. “This is the kind of policing Delta State needs.
‘’The CP-Special Assignment Team has shown bravery repeatedly, and we in Sapele are grateful for their work,” she stated.
While commending the Command for outstanding results, the residents also called on CP Abaniwonda to address concerns about alleged misconduct among certain officers within the state. They appealed to the Commissioner to caution Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other ranks reportedly engaging in extortion of citizens.
According to them, curbing such internal issues is essential to sustaining the trust the Command has earned through its recent achievements.
