Police arrest church-robbing syndicate in Delta

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have rounded up an armed robbery syndicate that specialises in attacking churches at night and carting away church instruments and other items.

The arrest of the robbery syndicate was announced by the state police public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a signed statement on Wednesday.

Edafe said, “Following complaints received from concerned residents on the activities of a syndicate that attacks churches at night, and cart away church instruments and other items, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed Divisional Police Officers to embark on an intelligence-led investigation and ensure that the suspects are rounded up, arrested and brought to book.”

Consequently, in compliance with the CP’s directives, 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

He state, “Responding swiftly, patrol teams from the Ogwashi-Uku Division, working closely with local vigilantes, led by the DPO, CSP Israel Okomoyon, intercepted a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna Space Van, Reg. no: EFR-150-XB, with two occupants identified as Emmanuel Emiowor ‘m’ (21yrs) of PTI Road, Warri, and Noah Philip ‘m’ (20yrs) of PTI Road, Warri.

“A search of the suspects and the vehicle yielded the following exhibits: One Pump Action Gun, Three Single Barrel Locally Made Guns, One Locally Fabricated Revolver Gun, One Live Cartridge, One Iron Rod (used in breaking church doors).

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a syndicate that specialises in attacking churches.”

The police spokesman disclosed that some looted properties have already been recovered from the gangsters, while both suspects, along with the exhibits, are in custody.

He added that a discreet investigation has commenced.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the command to rid the state of criminal elements.

The police boss emphasised that “the State will never be allowed to become a safe haven for crime”.

The CP stated, “The Command remains relentless in pursuing offenders and dismantling their networks.”

At the same time, he stressed that the continued support and cooperation of residents remain vital in sustaining these gains.

He further assured that citizens can always reach out to the Police through the Command’s dedicated emergency line: 08036684974, or visit the nearest police station to report suspicious activities and seek timely assistance.

Recall that on Friday, the Benue Police Command arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered 34 handsets, three HP laptops and two MP3 players from them.

The suspects, Mujahid Mohammed, 21 years; Yahaya Abdullahi, 21 years; and Kalipha Mohammad, 28 years, were arrested during a stop-and-search operation.