Armed robbery syndicate linked to church and business burglaries in Warri and its environs has been partially dismantled by operatives of the Orerokpe Division in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State. On April 26, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., police arrested two suspects, Ajeh Zephaniah, 28, and Anthony Okoro, 32, both residents of Osubi, following a series of armed robberies targeting solar shops and churches. The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation launched after a sales representative reported being held at gunpoint during a robbery at a solar shop in Okuokoko Community. The suspects, allegedly members of a notorious gang, were apprehended after being identified by the victim in Osubi.
During the operation, police also apprehended two suspected receivers of stolen goods: Arinze Ezisi of Okumagba Avenue, Warri, and Chinonso Valentine of Eboh Road, Warri. Two other gang members, identified only as Elvis and Ochuko, managed to flee the scene and remain at large. The police recovered a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna with registration number EFR-118 XB, which was allegedly used in the criminal activities. The vehicle was linked to multiple robberies, including the theft of solar batteries, inverters, phones, and other equipment valued at about N15 million from the solar shop.
According to SP Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State, the investigation was triggered by a report of an armed robbery in Okuokoko, where four men stormed a solar shop, tied up the sales representative with rope, and fled with valuable equipment. Acting on the victim’s identification and other related complaints from churches and business owners, the Orerokpe Division launched a targeted operation. The breakthrough came when the victim recognized two of the suspects in Osubi, prompting immediate deployment of police operatives.
Upon arrest, Zephaniah and Okoro confessed to their involvement and named their accomplices, including Elvis and Ochuko. They also revealed the identities of the receivers, leading to the arrest of Ezisi and Valentine. Searches conducted on the suspects’ residences and shops, following duly executed search warrants, uncovered additional stolen items. These included solar batteries, inverters, charge controllers, solar panels, televisions, electrical wires, cameras, and church musical equipment. The police noted that the suspects were also implicated in several church robberies in Warri and Osubi, where musical and solar equipment worth approximately N80 million were stolen.
The recovered items and the arrests mark a significant step in curbing armed robbery in the region. The police have vowed to continue their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle the syndicate. This operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement to protect lives and property in Delta State.
Leave a Comment