Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate notorious for targeting churches and carting away instruments and valuables during night raids.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.
According to Edafe, the breakthrough came on September 16, 2025, after a distress call alerted the Command to an imminent attack on Dominican City Church along Polytechnic Road, close to Sticals Hotel, Ogwashi-Uku.
“Acting swiftly, patrol teams from Ogwashi-Uku Division, supported by local vigilantes and led by the DPO, CSP Israel Okomoyon, intercepted a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna Space Van with registration number EFR-150-XB. Inside the vehicle were two suspects — Emmanuel Emiowor, 21, and Noah Philip, 20, both residents of PTI Road, Warri,” Edafe stated.
A search of the vehicle uncovered an arsenal of weapons, including one pump-action rifle, three locally made single-barrel guns, a locally fabricated revolver, one live cartridge, and an iron rod allegedly used for breaking into churches.
Upon interrogation, the duo confessed to being members of a gang specialised in raiding churches at night. Some stolen properties have already been recovered, while investigations to track down other gang members are ongoing.
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CP Abaniwonda assured residents that the Command remains fully committed to stamping out criminal networks across the state.
“The state will never be allowed to serve as a safe haven for crime. We are determined to dismantle criminal gangs and bring offenders to justice,” he said.
The police boss further urged citizens to continue providing timely information to security operatives, stressing that community support is vital to sustaining the successes recorded so far.
Residents are advised to report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency line (08036684974) or visit the nearest police station.
The development comes days after the Benue State Police Command arrested three armed robbery suspects during a stop-and-search operation, recovering several phones, laptops, and other items.