Two suspects arrested, receivers apprehended, stolen church equipment and solar items recovered as police intensify manhunt for fleeing gang members

The Delta State Police Command has arrested members of a notorious armed robbery syndicate linked to a series of violent attacks on solar equipment shops, electronic stores, and churches across Warri and surrounding communities.

The breakthrough followed sustained intelligence-led operations by operatives of the Orerokpe Division after a reported armed robbery in Okuokoko Community, where four armed men invaded a solar shop using a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna (registration number EFR-118 XB).

During the attack, a sales representative was held at gunpoint, tied up with rope, and robbed of solar batteries, inverters, phones, and other electrical equipment valued at about ₦15 million.

Acting on the complaint and related reports of similar incidents in churches and business premises, the police launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of two suspects on 26 April 2026 at about 09:00hrs in Osubi after they were identified by the victim.

The suspects, Ajeh Zephaniah (28) and Anthony Okoro (32), both residents of Osubi, reportedly confessed to the crimes during interrogation. They also named two fleeing accomplices identified as Elvis and Ochuko, who are currently at large.

Further investigation led to the arrest of two alleged receivers of stolen items: Arinze Ezisi of Okumagba Avenue, Warri, and Chinonso Valentine of Eboh Road, Warri.

Police also recovered the operational vehicle used in the robberies as well as several stolen items, including solar panels, batteries, inverters, charge controllers, televisions, CCTV cameras, electrical wiring, and church musical instruments.

Investigators say the gang is suspected to be behind multiple church robberies in Warri and Osubi, with stolen items valued at approximately ₦80 million.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for the breakthrough and assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover firearms used in the operations.

He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to assist ongoing security operations across the state.