Delta Police Smash Church Robbery Ring, Recover ₦95 Million Loot
Major Crackdown on Robbery Syndicate
THE Delta State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its anti-crime operations with the arrest of suspected members of a robbery syndicate linked to a string of attacks on churches and businesses in Warri and surrounding communities.
The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation by operatives of the Orerokpe Division after a series of reported burglaries targeting solar shops, electronic outlets and worship centres.
Robbery Incident Sparks Investigation
According to police spokesperson Bright Edafe, the investigation was triggered by a robbery incident in Okuokoko Community.
In the attack, four armed men reportedly stormed a solar shop in a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna, held a female sales representative at gunpoint, tied her up, and made away with goods valued at about ₦15 million, including solar batteries, inverters and mobile phones.
Swift Arrests After Breakthrough Tip
The case took a decisive turn on April 26, 2026, when the victim reportedly spotted two of the suspects in Osubi and alerted authorities.
Police operatives quickly moved in, arresting two suspects identified as Ajeh Zephaniah, 28, and Anthony Okoro, 32.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed and named other members of the gang, including two individuals still at large.
Recovery of Stolen Items
Further investigations led to the arrest of suspected receivers of stolen goods and the recovery of the Toyota Sienna allegedly used in the operations.
Searches conducted at various locations uncovered a large cache of stolen items, including solar equipment, televisions, surveillance devices, electrical materials and church musical instruments.
Police estimate that items worth about ₦80 million linked to previous church robberies were also recovered.
Police Assure Continued Crackdown
The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for the successful operation.
He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons used by the gang, while urging the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
