The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate accused of breaking into churches at night to steal instruments and other valuables.
Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Wednesday that the suspects were intercepted on September 16 by patrol teams from the Ogwashi-Uku Division, acting on intelligence of an imminent attack on Dominican City Church along Polytechnic Road. The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Emiowor (21) and Noah Philip (20), both of Warri, were apprehended in a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna van.
Recovered items include a pump-action gun, three locally made single-barrel guns, a locally fabricated revolver, live cartridges, and an iron rod allegedly used to break church doors. The suspects reportedly confessed to being part of a syndicate targeting churches, while police said looted items have been recovered.
Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda reaffirmed the command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks in the state, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the command’s emergency line.
