Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have smashed a notorious syndicate which specialised in breaking into churches and stealing musical instruments.
The breakthrough was achieved following weeks of discrete intelligence gathering and surveillance.
The gang leader and another member of the syndicate who were arrested by the Police confessed to the crime.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe explained that the operation followed complaints received from concerned residents on the activities of the syndicate.
Upon the report, Edafe said the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda directed DPOs to embark on an intelligence-led investigation and ensure that these suspects were rounded up, arrested and brought to book.
“In compliance with the CP’s directives, on 16th September 2025, the Command received a distress call about an imminent armed attack on Dominican City Church along Polytechnic Road by Sticals Hotel.
“Responding swiftly, 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, Reg. no: EFR-150-XB, with two occupants identified as Emmanuel Emiowor ‘m’ (21yrs) of PTI Road, Warri, and Noah Philip ‘m’ (20yrs) of PTI Road, Warri.”
Edafe said a search of the suspects and the vehicle “yielded the following exhibits one pump action gun, three single barrel locally made guns, one locally fabricated revolver gun, one live cartridge, one iron rod used in breaking church doors.
Upon interrogation, the PPRO said the suspects confessed to being members of a syndicate that specialises in attacking churches.
He said some looted properties have already been recovered.
He added that both suspects, along with the exhibits were in custody while a discreet investigation has commenced.
