Delta police arrest suspected notorious armed robbers attacking churches

Police in Delta State have dismantled a criminal syndicate specialising in the theft of musical instruments from churches.

The State Police Command said the operation, which led to the arrest of the gang leader and another accomplice, was a result of meticulous intelligence and surveillance measures.

It said following directives from Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) initiated intelligence-led investigations.
The command said the police were alerted to a potential armed attack, leading to a quick interception of the suspects in a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna van.

Shedding light on the development, a spokesman for the command, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives on September 16, 2025, received a distress call about an imminent armed attack on Dominican City Church along Polytechnic Road by Sticals Hotel.
He said the 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,  plate-number EFR-150-XB, with two occupants, identified as Emmanuel Emiowor, 21, of PTI Road, Warri, and Noah Philip, 20, also of PTI Road, Warri.
Edafe said the operation was prompted by numerous complaints from residents about nighttime attacks on churches, where instruments and other valuable items were stolen.

He said during a search, the operatives recovered one pump-action gun, three single-barrelled locally made guns, one locally fabricated revolver gun, one live cartridge, and one iron rod, presumably used for breaking into churches.
Edafe said both suspects had confessed to their involvement in the criminal activities, and the recovery of some stolen items is already underway.
He said the suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.

He noted that the successful operation not only highlighted the importance of community vigilance and police responsiveness but also aimed to restore safety and security in places of worship in the state.

Meanwhile, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the police to rid the state of criminal elements.
He emphasised that Delta State would never be allowed to become a haven for criminals, noting that the command remained relentless in pursuing offenders and dismantling their networks.

He stressed that the continued support and cooperation of residents remained vital in sustaining these gains.
Source: The Nation