Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate notorious for attacking churches at night and carting away instruments and valuables.
The development was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who noted that the operation followed repeated complaints from residents.
According to him, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, had directed Divisional Police Officers to launch intelligence-led operations to track down the gang.
“On 16th September 2025, the Command received a distress call about an imminent armed attack on Dominican City Church along Polytechnic Road by Sticals Hotel,” the statement said.
Acting swiftly, patrol teams from Ogwashi-Uku Division, in collaboration with local vigilantes and led by DPO CSP Israel Okomoyon, intercepted a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna (Reg. No. EFR-150-XB) with two occupants. The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Emiowor (21) and Noah Philip (20), both residents of PTI Road, Warri.
Items recovered from the suspects included:
One pump action gun
Three locally made single-barrel guns
One locally fabricated revolver
One live cartridge
One iron rod used for breaking doors
Edafe disclosed that the suspects confessed to being part of a gang that specialises in robbing churches. Some stolen items have already been recovered.
He added that discreet investigations are ongoing while the suspects remain in custody.
CP Abaniwonda reiterated the command’s resolve to rid the state of criminals, stressing that Delta “will never be allowed to become a safe haven for crime.”
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies. Citizens can reach the police through the command’s emergency line: 08036684974 or by visiting the nearest station.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Benue State Police Command last Friday arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered 34 mobile phones, three laptops, and other items during a stop-and-search operation.
