In what is being described as one of the most successful operations in recent months, the Delta State Police Command has arrested multiple suspected armed robbers, recovered a stolen luxury Mercedes Benz GLK, two motorcycles, and seized a dangerous haul of firearms, including a pump-action rifle, a Beretta pistol, and multiple live ammunition.
The operation, led under the direction of Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, involved coordinated intelligence and rapid response from divisions in Asaba and Ogwashi-Ukwu between August 4 and 5, 2025.
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🔎 KEY OPERATIONS:
1. Luxury Vehicle Recovered in Asaba
On August 5, police at B Division, Asaba, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a stolen Mercedes Benz GLK (Reg. No: NZM10AP) allegedly being sold at a car park. One Chinedu Eze, the suspected handler, was arrested. Investigations revealed the vehicle was snatched at gunpoint in Enugu State in April 2023, where the original owner was shot. The car was re-registered fraudulently in 2025.
2. Gun Battle and Arrests in Ogwashi-Ukwu
Responding to a 4:30 a.m. distress call on August 4, police and vigilante groups disrupted a robbery in progress on Chelsea Street, Ogwashi-Ukwu. Two suspects — Thywill Selvin (22) and Guntim Bako (32) — were arrested. A third suspect was reportedly neutralized in a gun duel.
Recovered items included:
1 Pump-action rifle + 1 live cartridge
1 Beretta pistol + 6 rounds
1 locally made pistol + 1 cartridge
3 live assault rifle ammunition
2 stolen motorcycles
25 mobile phones
4 laptops
1 PS4 console
Home entertainment electronics, clothes, and other personal effects
Victims have begun recovering their belongings after positive identification.
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🗣️ PUBLIC REACTION / STREET CRITICISM
While residents of Asaba, Ogwashi-Ukwu, and surrounding towns praised the swift action of the police, many have voiced concerns that these crimes keep happening due to deep-seated systemic issues.
🔊 “It’s the same story every month — they arrest some boys, parade them, and two weeks later, another gang strikes again. Are these guys working alone? Who’s supplying the guns?” — Uche, resident of Ogwashi-Ukwu
🔊 “How can a car snatched in Enugu in 2023 resurface in Asaba in 2025 with a new registration? Somebody inside the system is playing games,” — Madam Nnena, car dealer in Asaba
🔊 “We appreciate the arrests, but when will police go after the ‘big men’ sponsoring these criminals? Until that happens, this is just a cycle,” — Facebook comment under the police press release
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The Delta Police deserve commendation for swift intelligence response, particularly the collaboration with vigilantes and inter-state intelligence sharing. However, the larger public sentiment reflects growing distrust in long-term security strategy.
Citizens are asking:
Why do these arrests keep happening without a corresponding decline in crime?
Who ensures prosecution to conviction?
How do weapons and stolen vehicles move freely across states?
If public confidence must be restored, people believes the Command must go further:
Publish monthly conviction records of suspects
Audit internal licensing and registration departments
Disrupt supply chains, not just foot soldiers
Until then, police victories will remain temporary applause in a recurring crisis.
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🖊️ Compiled by the Crime & Security Desk | Stone Reporters News
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