Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers notorious for attacking churches and carting away musical instruments, in what the Command described as a major breakthrough in its sustained fight against crime.
The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Emiowor, 21 and Noah Philip, 20, both of PTI Road, Warri, were intercepted on September 16, 2025, along Polytechnic Road by Sticals Hotel in Ogwashi-Uku. They were driving a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna Space Van with registration number EFR-150-XB when police patrol teams, acting on intelligence and backed by local vigilantes, swooped on them.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of one pump action gun, three single-barrel locally made guns, one locally fabricated revolver gun, a live cartridge, and an iron rod used for breaking church doors.
Delta Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said the suspects confessed during interrogation to belonging to a syndicate that specialises in raiding churches at night. Some looted properties have already been recovered, he added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the swift action of the patrol team led by CSP Israel Okomoyon, DPO of Ogwashi-Uku Division. He vowed that Delta would never be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals.
“Our message is clear: Delta State will not tolerate criminality. We remain relentless in dismantling these networks, but we need continued support and cooperation from residents to sustain these gains,” CP Abaniwonda said.
The Command urged citizens to report suspicious movements through its emergency line 08036684974 or at the nearest police station for timely response.
Delta Police Nab Church-Robbing Syndicate, Recover Firearms in Ogwashi-Uku
