Tyres, Drugs & Street Races: Inside Asaba’s Midnight Security Crisis

By PAULINA NZERUBE

Security Response and Crowd Control Focus

THE Delta State Police Command has disrupted what it described as a coordinated attempt by hoodlums and criminal elements to hijack New Year Eve celebrations in parts of Asaba metropolis, arresting 43 suspects and recovering multiple vehicles, drugs and dangerous items.

According to a statement issued Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operation began around 12:00am on 1st January 2026, following intelligence reports that criminal gangs were exploiting the festive crowds to unleash violence and disorder.

A large-scale township patrol, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, involved Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders and operatives strategically deployed across key locations in Asaba. The aim, Edafe said, was to ensure the safety of residents, worshippers and commuters returning from crossover church services.

However, the patrol encountered widespread lawlessness as miscreants blocked major roads, engaged in illegal car racing, reckless driving and threw fireworks at unsuspecting members of the public. Several commuters were reportedly knocked down during the melee, triggering panic in parts of the city.

The situation escalated when the hoodlums allegedly attacked police patrol teams, hurling stones and other projectiles while burning tyres at major junctions to obstruct movement. Police responded with lawful crowd control measures, dispersing the mob and restoring calm.

Following the operation, 25 vehicles, eight tricycles, fireworks, hard drugs and offensive weapons were recovered. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with police vowing prosecution.

Normalcy has since returned to Asaba, with intensified patrols ongoing to prevent further disturbances.