Delta murder cases are increasingly linked to drug abuse among youths, police say, as massive raids are ordered across all local government areas

The Delta State Police Command has linked the growing number of murder cases in the state to rising drug abuse, particularly among young people.

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The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Asaba. He expressed concern over what he described as a troubling pattern connecting violent crimes to the influence of illicit substances.

According to him, the Delta Murder Cases trend has prompted decisive action, including the approval of massive raids across all 25 local government areas of the state to dismantle drug cartels and curb the sale and abuse of illegal drugs.

CP Adesola said the command under his leadership would not relent in the fight against drug related crimes, stressing that the safety of residents remains a top priority.

He cited a recent murder incident in Ogwashi Uku as an example of a preventable tragedy linked to substance abuse. The police boss said preliminary findings showed that the suspect involved was a chronic drug user who acted while under the influence.

Providing details of the incident, Adesola said a report was received at the Ogwashi Uku Division in the early hours of January 8, 2026, regarding the death of a 20 year old male at Poly Road, near Adaigbo Filling Station.

He said detectives were immediately deployed to the scene and investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly attacked by his brother, also aged 20, after consuming a substance suspected to be an illicit drug. The suspect was arrested, and the weapon used was recovered.

The Commissioner of Police assured residents that the command is intensifying efforts to tackle crime and criminality across the state. He also commended the Delta State Government for its continued support to the police.

He appealed to members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and useful information to aid crime prevention.

CP Adesola also released a summary of achievements recorded by the Delta State Police Command from January 8, 2026, to date. The statistics showed that 11 firearms and 80 rounds of ammunition and cartridges were recovered during the period.

The data further revealed that 11 suspects were arrested in connection with murder cases, 13 suspected cultists were apprehended, and one suspect was arrested for rape and defilement.

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The police command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging communities to remain vigilant and actively support efforts to rid the state of drugs and violent crime.