Delta Police Arrest Suspected Church-Robbing Gang, Recover Weapons

The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of an armed robbery gang notorious for breaking into churches and carting away instruments and other valuables.

In a press statement on Wednesday titled “Arrest of Suspected Most Wanted Armed Robbers Who Usually Attack Churches, Cart Away Church Instruments”, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.

According to Edafe, the Command had received several complaints from residents about a syndicate that routinely targeted churches at night. Acting on a distress call on September 16, 2025, concerning an imminent attack on Dominican City Church along Polytechnic Road by Sticals Hotel, patrol teams from Ogwashi-Uku Division, working with local vigilantes and led by the DPO, CSP Israel Okomoyon, intercepted a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna Space Van with registration number EFR-150-XB.

The vehicle’s occupants were identified as Emmanuel Emiowor, 21, and Noah Philip, 20, both residents of PTI Road, Warri.

A search of the suspects and the vehicle led to the recovery of:
One pump-action gun, Three single-barrel locally made guns, One locally fabricated revolver gun, One live cartridge, and One iron rod allegedly used to break church doors

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a syndicate that specialises in attacking churches. Some looted properties have already been recovered. Both suspects, along with the exhibits, are in custody while a discreet investigation continues, the statement added