The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against armed robbery and burglary following the arrest of members of a notorious syndicate allegedly responsible for a string of robberies targeting churches, solar shops and electronic stores in Warri and surrounding communities.
The suspects were arrested after operatives of the Orerokpe Division launched an intelligence-led operation into a reported armed robbery incident in Okuokoko Community.
According to the Police, four armed men operating in a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna with registration number EFR-118 XB stormed a solar shop, held a sales representative at gunpoint, tied her with rope and carted away solar batteries, inverters, phones and other equipment valued at about N15 million.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Asaba.
Edafe said the breakthrough came on April 26, 2026, when the sales representative reportedly sighted two of the suspects in Osubi and alerted the police.
“Upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer, Orerokpe Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene, leading to the arrest of Ajeh Zephaniah, 28 years, and Anthony Okoro, 32 years, both residents of Osubi,” the statement said.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to the crimes and identified two other gang members simply identified as Elvis and Ochuko, who are currently on the run.
The suspects also reportedly named receivers of the stolen items, leading to the arrest of Arinze Ezisi of Okumagba Avenue, Warri, and Chinonso Valentine of Eboh Road, Warri.
Police investigations further led to the recovery of the gold-coloured Toyota Sienna allegedly used for the operations.
Searches conducted at the residences and shops linked to the suspects reportedly uncovered several suspected stolen items, including solar batteries, inverters, charge controllers, solar panels, televisions, electrical wires, cameras and church musical equipment.
According to the police, the syndicate is also suspected to be behind multiple church robberies in Warri and Osubi, where musical and solar equipment estimated at about N80 million were allegedly stolen.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, assured residents that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang members and recover firearms allegedly used by the syndicate.
“He urged residents to continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information,” Edafe added.
