The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of an armed robbery gang notorious for targeting churches across the state.
Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, who confirmed the development, said the suspects were apprehended on September 16, 2025, following credible intelligence.
He explained that officers from the Ogwashi-Uku Division, led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Israel Okomoyon, swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress call and intercepted a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna Space Van with registration number EFR-150-XB near Dominican City Church, along Polytechnic Road by Sticals Hotel.
The vehicle, occupied by Emmanuel Emiowor, 21, and Noah Philip, 20, both residents of PTI Road, Warri, was found to contain weapons and burglary tools. Items recovered included one pump action gun, three single-barrel locally made guns, one locally fabricated revolver, one live cartridge, and an iron rod believed to have been used to force open church doors.
Edafe disclosed that the suspects confessed to belonging to a larger syndicate specialising in breaking into churches at night to steal musical instruments and other valuables. He added that some stolen property had already been recovered, while investigations were ongoing to track down other members of the gang.
Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, who commended the swift response of officers and the support of local vigilante groups, ordered sustained intelligence-led operations to tackle rising criminal activity.
He reaffirmed the command’s determination to eradicate crime from the state, declaring: “We will not allow Delta State to become a safe haven for criminals. Our men are on the ground, our strategies are working, and we will continue to press forward until these criminal networks are completely dismantled.”
