DELTA POLICE SMASH NOT0RIOUS CHURCH R0BBERY GANG, RECOVER STOLEN EQUIPMENT WORTH MILLIONS

The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its crackdown on armed robbery and burglary syndicates operating across Warri and surrounding communities following the arrest of suspected members of a notorious gang linked to repeated attacks on churches, solar shops, and electronic businesses.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the Orerokpe Division, led to the arrest of key suspects believed to be behind a series of coordinated robberies that reportedly targeted churches and business premises in Warri, Osubi, and nearby areas.

According to police authorities, investigations began after a reported armed robbery incident in Okuokoko Community where four armed men driving a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna with registration number EFR-118 XB allegedly stormed a solar shop, held a female sales representative at gunpoint, tied her with ropes, and carted away solar batteries, inverters, mobile phones, and other valuable equipment estimated at about N15 million.

The incident reportedly triggered a wider intelligence operation after similar complaints emerged from churches and business owners who had suffered related attacks in recent months.

The breakthrough came on April 26, 2026, when the sales representative reportedly identified two of the suspects in Osubi. Following the identification, the Divisional Police Officer of Orerokpe Division immediately deployed operatives to the area, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old Ajeh Zephaniah and 32-year-old Anthony Okoro, both residents of Osubi.

Police said the suspects confessed during interrogation and allegedly revealed the identities of other gang members identified simply as Elvis and Ochuko, who are currently on the run.

The suspects also reportedly identified individuals believed to be receivers of stolen goods, leading to the arrest of Arinze Ezisi of Okumagba Avenue, Warri, and Chinonso Valentine of Eboh Road, Warri.

Further investigations led to the recovery of the gold-coloured Toyota Sienna allegedly used during the robbery operations. Police also executed search warrants on residences and shops connected to the suspects, resulting in the recovery of several items believed to have been stolen from churches and business centres.

Recovered items include solar batteries, inverters, charge controllers, solar panels, televisions, electrical cables, surveillance cameras, church musical equipment, and other electronic properties suspected to be linked to multiple robbery incidents.

Police authorities revealed that the gang is also suspected to have carried out several church robberies within Warri and Osubi, where musical and solar equipment valued at about N80 million were allegedly stolen.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for what he described as a major operational success. He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining fleeing gang members and recover firearms allegedly used during the operations.

The police command also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of helping ongoing investigations and improving security across the state.

The latest arrests have sparked reactions within Warri and neighbouring communities, where residents and church leaders have repeatedly complained about increasing cases of burglary, armed robbery, and attacks targeting religious centres and businesses.

For now, investigations remain ongoing as police intensify efforts to dismantle the entire network connected to the robbery syndicate.